problem solving web developer

Problem-Solving Skills for Software Developers: Why & How to Improve

Problem-solving skills go hand-in-hand with software development. Learn some great problem-solving techniques and tips for improvement here!

Software developer jobs today require that you possess excellent problem-solving skills , and for good reason. Unfortunately, there seems to be a sort of talent gap when it comes to this one skill required of all software developers.

Troubleshooting and problem resolution are both informally and formally taught, but you mostly find that software developers have to learn problem-solving skills on their own. This is true for self-taught developers , obviously, but also even for those with software engineering degrees or who’ve graduated from coding boot camps.

This is why it’s necessary to acquaint yourself with the problem-solving process, whether you are a newbie or an experienced developer. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about problem-solving so you can 10x your software development career.

What are Problem-Solving Skills?

As a developer, what do we mean by problem-solving? Let’s attempt a simple definition.

In software development, problem-solving is the process of using theories and research to find solutions to a problem domain, while testing different ideas and applying best practices to achieve a desired result. Problem-solving also has to do with utilizing creativity and logical thought processes to identify problems and resolve them with software.

Becoming a great software developer hinges more on learning algorithms than programming languages or frameworks . And algorithms are simply step-by-step instructions to solve a given problem.

Read More : How to Build a Software Engineer Portfolio (With Examples & Tips)

Why are impeccable problem-solving skills crucial?

Making good use of a computer language can be likened to being a skilled writer. An effective writer must know how to construct sentences and use grammar appropriately. There’s more to writing than just knowing all the words in the dictionary, and that’s how it works for developers, too.

You have different tasks to work on as a software developer, including perhaps designing, coding, and troubleshooting. Much of your time will be spent on identifying problems, spotting and correcting bugs, and making sense of codebases from before you started working there. Being ingenious at problem-solving is essential in creating incredible solutions to issues that arise throughout software development.

To demonstrate ingenuity, let’s consider Google’s autocomplete tool as an example.

The autocomplete tool is built to suggest related terms in the search bar as you type. The idea behind the tool is to reduce more than 200 years of time spent typing daily and to help users save time by up to 25% while typing.

Here’s what had to be done:

• To activate real-time completion of suggestions, the UI experience and JavaScript had to be implemented.
• Next, since users could type just about anything, the autocomplete suggestions had to be compiled into a sensible list dependent on user input.
• Then, Google had to create a back-end sustainability system for this function. Doing this meant massively increasing its infrastructure to accommodate all forms of data query and HTTP requests.
• Finally, the user interface had to be refined by software engineers in order to make sure that every user enjoyed a worthwhile experience. So they employed Google Trends to power the auto-completion tool while using algorithms to take out explicit or offensive predictions in line with Google’s auto-completion policy.

This is just one of Google’s innumerable problem-solving examples, but it’s clear to see that solving problems involves more than just telling a computer to do stuff. It’s about your ability to come up with parameters rightly tailored to target users so they can meet their goals.

So why must developers focus on problem-solving at work?

Software developers work with a wide range of people and departments, and it’s common to discover that some clients and teams find it difficult to define what they want. As a problem solver, it’s up to you to help them identify their needs and communicate their thoughts in an effective way.

Of course, you’ll need time and practice to develop your problem resolution ability. That’s because it’s less about solving problems faster but more about coming up with the best solution . And then you’ll need to deploy that solution.

Read More : Common Interview Questions for Software Developer Jobs (Non-Technical)

Types of problem-solving skills

Now let’s talk about four types of problem-solving skills for developers:

1.  Parallel thinking

As a software developer, parallel thinking is a crucial skill necessary to perform optimally. This makes it possible for you to carry out two tasks that complement each other at the same time (like an optimized form of multitasking skills). Being able to reorder tasks to boost parallel execution can help to improve your output and save valuable time .

2. Dissecting broad and/or complex goals

When it comes to building software, you will need to effectively outline the steps and tasks necessary to achieve your goal. Developers must learn to break large and complex tasks into smaller assignments because this is an important skill that will help you create results with precision.

3. Reimplementing existing solutions

You don’t always need to reinvent the wheel. Part of being an effective software developer comes with being able to use already existing tools before even thinking of creating new solutions. Developing problem-solving skills is very much connected to finding solutions that already exist and reusing them.

4. Abstraction

Keep in mind that goals tend to evolve. So if your client comes up with new ideas, that will mean changing your design goals and reordering your tasks. A good programmer must learn to create solutions in such a way that does not require a complete redesign from scratch.

You also have to become adept at abstracting problems so that your solutions can get them resolved so long as they aren’t entirely different from the original issue. You don’t necessarily have to abstract every aspect to avoid more complications being created. This calls for balance by abstracting only where necessary without making narrow decisions.

Read More : Learn 8 Great Benefits of Working From Home

4 Important Tips & Strategies for Improving Problem-Solving Skills

To keep your problem-solving skills and techniques from growing weaker over time, you need to exercise them non-stop. As they say: practice makes perfect!

To train the problem-solving side of your brain, these four tips and strategies can help you improve your abilities:

1. Make problem-solving a part of your life

Never restrict yourself to working on problems only during work hours. Don’t make it a chore, but, instead, do things that make problem-solving look fun. The game of chess, solving puzzles, and playing video games that compel you to think critically will help strengthen your problem-solving skills, and you can tell your significant other you are advancing your career! 🙂

When you come to a complex problem in your life, whether it’s budgeting for a home or renovating the downstairs bathroom, approach it both creatively and critically. Ask yourself: What would a great software engineer do in this situation?

2. Use different platforms to solve problems

Proffer solutions to a set of problems without restricting yourself to one platform. Using different platforms and tools regularly helps make sure you become flexible as a problem-solver. And it makes sense, because there really is no universal solution for the different problems that pop up in your line of work. Trying out different platforms to solve different problems helps you to keep an open mind and enables you to test out different techniques when looking to find solutions.

Read More : 12 Common Mistakes Keeping You From Landing Your First Developer Job

3. Be open to assistance from external sources

Part of being a good software developer comes with being able to ask for help and also accept all forms of feedback. You might need a different opinion or a new set of eyes to help find the most fitting solution to some problems. It makes sense to view building problem-solving skills as more of a team effort rather than a personal journey.

Have an open mind and heart to function not only as an individual but also as a collective. It’s a utopian working environment where everyone supports each other to become better versions of themselves. So if you come across an issue that keeps you stuck, get help! You may find someone who has a more refined framework or method you never knew existed or would have thought of using. You could then learn from them and add their solution to your toolkit.

Get feedback often, as well. This could be the catalyst to making improvements to your processes and evolving them into something truly refined.

4. Tackle new problems using lessons from past solutions

As you practice and finesse your ability to identify problems and find solutions, you’ll begin to notice patterns. It’s more like developing your toolbox armed with a wide range of solutions that have proved useful in the past. So when problems emerge, you will notice how easy it is to take some of those old solutions and apply them to the new problem.

The more you attempt to apply creativity in solving problems, the more you grow your skills. In the long run, that will help you find the right solutions faster and apply them to a wide range of problems more naturally. It’s all about improving the effectiveness and efficiency with which you tackle new problems while applying only the best possible solutions.

Read More : How to Stay Motivated at Work

3 Complementary Skills to Improve to Become a Good Problem Solver

Developing software is mostly about problem-solving at the very core before even writing your first lines of code. You have to identify problems that can be solved using software. Then you have to go on to understand how people try to solve such problems in real life.

It’s up to you to come up with a framework that allows you to take both the problem and the solution and convert them into computer code. And you have to do this in such a way that makes the software even more efficient and effective than a human.

While going through this process, developers also have to handle other problems such as deadline deliveries, checking for bugs and fixing them, and collaborate across teams. So, supporting skills must not be overlooked.

Software developers must build interpersonal skills and collaboration skills . Being able to empathize, accept feedback, handle criticism, listen intently, and show respect for others are all important characteristics and abilities necessary for teamwork, and, thus, necessary for solving problems on the job.

Read More : 5 Ways to Stand Out & Get Noticed in Your Current Development Job

Communication

No one is an island, and that’s true when you consider how software engineers work. Building software requires keeping up with clients and teammates and other departments. You can’t afford to be a Lone Ranger, at least not 100% of the time, and that’s why employers always look for good communication skills.

Being a good software developer also involves how well you can break down very complex concepts to laypeople. You want to be the kind of person who fixes a problem and is able to explain how you were able to do it. It’s all about your ability to be clear and articulate about every aspect of your work. And you want to be able to communicate not just verbally but also in written form.

To build your communication skills as a developer, you can learn from more experienced people and observe how they interact with their clients. And, don’t forget, with more and more companies becoming global enterprises and going remote, it’s important to brush up on your intercultural communication skills , as well.

Logical thinking

The difference between elite software developers and average ones is often said to be logical thinking. The ability to process thoughts logically is important, because you’ll often spend most of your time finding and fixing bugs rather than writing code.

Problems can show up from just about anywhere, even from what seems to be the most insignificant errors. So, your ability to detect software issues and solve these problems using deductive thought processes is a vital ingredient to your success as a software developer.

Read More : Questions to Ask at Interviews for Software Engineering Jobs

Problem-Solving Stages & Practices

There are countless problem-solving processes and various schools of thought regarding the best way to approach problems whenever they arise. To solve that problem, we’ve pooled some of these frameworks together to come up with a comprehensive approach to problem-solving.

Step 1 – Define the problem

You have to first start with problem identification. Knowing what you are dealing with is important, because you don’t want to risk spending valuable time applying wrong solutions. Avoid making automatic assumptions. Even when the symptoms look familiar, you want to investigate properly because such signs could be pointing to something else entirely.

Problems in software development come in different sizes and scopes. You could be having trouble getting some aspects of the product to respond in the desired way. Or maybe you’re having issues trying to decipher a codebase section where you can no longer communicate with the original developers. Sometimes, the problem could come in the form of an unfamiliar error message and you’re at loss.

Once you’re able to define the problem, make sure to document it.

Step 2 – Analyze the problem

Now it’s time to carry out problem analysis . Before deciding what problem resolution methods to adopt, it’s necessary to find out all there is to the issue, which builds on our first step. This will make it easier to come up with ideas and solutions later on.

Problem analysis isn’t always a walk in the park. There are times when the problem involves a very small mistake such as failing to import a package correctly or a small syntax error. Other times, however, it could be such a huge error, like the entire program acting differently than what you want. There might be no alarms or blinking red lights to tell you what the exact problem is.

If you encounter such situations, you can find answers by articulating the problem. Document what you intend to do, what you’ve done, the original intention for the program, and where you currently are. Communication comes in handy here, of course, not just in your documentation, but also in how you relay it to your teammates.

Read More : Got a Busy Developer Schedule? Here’s How to Keep Learning & Make Time

Step 3 – Brainstorm

This step has to do with generating ideas, and you can benefit from discussing the problem with a team and then coming up with ways to get it fixed. Keep in mind that problem-solving at work involves interacting with a diverse group of people where the individuals have unique skill sets and experiences.

Many developers tend to neglect the previous steps and rush straight into brainstorming. That’s definitely not a good way to go about problem-solving. The idea is not to skip the important steps in the process.

Once you get to the point where ideas need to be generated, do not discard any, because this step relies on a wide range of ideas. Only after gathering as many perspectives as possible should you then begin reviewing and narrowing down to the best possible solution.

Step 4 – Make a decision

At this point, all viable solutions have to be analyzed before selecting the most appropriate one to implement. Picking the best possible solution depends on its ability to meet certain criteria. It must be suitable, feasible, and then acceptable.

What it means is that the solution must be able to get the problem solved. It should also be easy to see how such a solution fits into the equation. And then every member of the team involved in the brainstorming process has to unanimously accept the solution.

Read More : How to Network as a Software Engineer

Step 5 – Implement

After identifying and choosing the solution, the next logical step is to plan out the implementation process and then execute it. Coming up with a detailed plan is crucial if the solution is to be a success.

Now this plan must detail all the necessary steps required to implement the solution. It will also explain the length of time and stages of work required. Once all of that is put in place, you can then move forward with the execution. The idea is not just to execute a solution but to do it the right way.

Implementation using automated tests can help to keep unexpected issues from arising in the future. Some other problem-solving practices or approaches begin the process with this step. So, whenever any changes are made to the project, tests asserting that the changes will perform as required will be written first before the changes are then made.

Step 6 – Evaluate

No problem-solving process can be deemed comprehensive enough if there is no room for evaluation. Whatever the solution may be, it has to undergo strict evaluation in order to see how it performs. That will also help determine whether the problem still exists and the extent to which such an issue keeps recurring.

In the event that the problem persists despite the implementation of a detailed plan, then the developer and team may even have to restart the problem-solving process. However discouraging that may sound, at least you’ll have caught it early enough. And, this also proves the process worked.

Read More : How to Become a Software Engineer: Education, Steps & Tips for Success

Final Thoughts

Developing problem-solving skills is quite necessary for software developers. To be a successful problem solver, you will need lots of years down the line to practice what you study.

Always remember that you are a problem solver first before anything else. There is more to building software than just understanding the tech behind it and writing lines of code. It’s all about improving your ability to identify problems and find solutions, and that will need lots of experience on your part.

Never shy away from problems, but learn to think critically and logically in any situation. By applying the six-step strategy for problem-solving at work discussed in this piece, you will be more equipped to come up with the most effective and efficient solutions.

We hope you enjoyed reading our guide on how to solve a problem as a software developer and ways to improve skills as a problem solver! If you have any questions, feedback, or other great problem-solving techniques or methods, let us know in the comments below 🙂

The Arc team publishes insightful articles and thought leadership pieces related to software engineering careers and remote work. From helping entry-level developers land their first junior role to assisting remote workers struggling with working from home to guiding mid-level programmers as they seek a leadership position, Arc covers it all and more!

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Problem-Solving Skills: A Must-Have for Web Developers

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Introduction

Web development is an ever-evolving field, with new technologies and trends emerging constantly. As a web developer, it is crucial to stay ahead of the game and possess the skills that are in high demand. One such skill that is essential for success in this industry is problem-solving.

The Importance of Problem-Solving Skills

Web development involves creating and maintaining websites, web applications, and other digital solutions. It is a complex process that requires attention to detail and the ability to overcome challenges. This is where problem-solving skills come into play.

When faced with a problem or a bug in the code, a web developer with strong problem-solving skills will be able to analyze the issue, identify the root cause, and come up with an effective solution. This not only saves time but also ensures that the final product is of high quality.

Adapting to New Technologies

The field of web development is constantly evolving, with new technologies and frameworks being introduced regularly. As a web developer, it is important to be able to adapt to these changes and learn new skills as needed.

Problem-solving skills play a crucial role in this process. When faced with a new technology or framework, a web developer with strong problem-solving skills will be able to quickly grasp the concepts, identify any challenges or roadblocks, and find ways to overcome them.

Collaboration and Communication

Web development is often a team effort, with multiple developers, designers, and stakeholders working together to create a website or application. In such a collaborative environment, effective communication and problem-solving skills are vital.

Web developers need to be able to communicate their ideas, concerns, and solutions effectively to the rest of the team. They also need to be able to collaborate with others, listen to different perspectives, and work together to find the best possible solution.

Continuous Learning

Web development is a field that requires continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Problem-solving skills are closely linked to this aspect of web development.

A web developer with strong problem-solving skills will have a natural curiosity and a desire to learn. They will actively seek out new information, experiment with different approaches, and constantly strive to improve their skills.

In the fast-paced world of web development, problem-solving skills are a must-have. They not only help web developers overcome challenges and create high-quality solutions but also enable them to adapt to new technologies, collaborate effectively, and continue learning and growing in their careers.

So, if you're aspiring to become a web developer or looking to enhance your skills, focus on developing your problem-solving abilities. It will set you apart from the competition and pave the way for a successful career in web development.

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How to Think Like a Developer: The Art of Problem Solving

• JavaScript Today
• September 25, 2023

In the fast-paced world of technology, developers are the architects of our digital age.

We are creative problem solvers who build the applications, websites, and software that shape billions of people’s lives. But what sets developers apart is not just their ability to code; it’s their unique approach to problem-solving.

To think like a developer is to embrace the art of problem-solving, a skill that goes far beyond writing lines of code.

The ability to think like a developer is a valuable skill, not only for those pursuing careers in software engineering but for anyone looking to solve complex problems efficiently. Developers are problem solvers by nature, and our approach to tackling challenges can be applied to a wide range of fields. In this article, we’ll explore the art of problem-solving through the lens of a developer and uncover strategies that can help you think like one.

The Developer’s Mindset

Thinking like a developer starts with adopting the right mindset. You need to start looking at things with curiosity and an open-mind, almost like a child.

The developer’s mindset is a unique perspective characterized by a deep-seated curiosity, a passion for problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning. Developers approach challenges with a tenacious drive to understand the underlying mechanisms and intricacies, much like dissecting code to uncover bugs.

We thrive on complexity, viewing problems as opportunities rather than obstacles, and are adept at breaking down daunting tasks into manageable components. This mindset values collaboration, as we often work in teams, leveraging diverse perspectives to arrive at innovative solutions.

Above all, the developer’s mindset embodies a growth-oriented philosophy, embracing mistakes as valuable learning experiences and continually seeking to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the ever-evolving world of technology.

Without further ado, let’s explore some ways in which we can improve our problem solving abilities.

1. Break Down Problems into Smaller Parts

One of the fundamental principles of problem-solving in software development is breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts. This process, known as decomposition , allows us to focus on individual components and solve them step by step.

Whether you’re dealing with a coding issue or a real-world problem, breaking it down into smaller pieces can make it less intimidating. When faced with a problem, create a list of subproblems or tasks that need to be addressed. This structured approach can help you see the big picture while making it easier to work through each component.

Let’s take a look.

The Power of Decomposition

1. clarity and understanding.

When you’re faced with a daunting problem, it can be overwhelming. Decomposition helps you gain a clearer understanding of the problem by dividing it into smaller, digestible pieces. This clarity allows you to focus on one aspect at a time, reducing confusion and anxiety.

2. Step-by-Step Progress

Dividing a problem into smaller parts enables you to make incremental progress. As you solve each subproblem, you gain a sense of accomplishment and motivation to tackle the next one. This step-by-step approach ensures steady advancement toward the ultimate solution.

3. Improved Problem Solving

Smaller problems are often easier to solve than one large, complex issue. By addressing each subproblem individually, you can apply specific strategies, tools, or knowledge relevant to that particular aspect. This targeted approach increases your chances of finding effective solutions.

4. Collaboration

In collaborative settings, such as team projects, decomposition facilitates division of labor. Each team member can take ownership of specific subproblems, working in parallel to solve them efficiently. This streamlines the overall problem-solving process.

2. Debug Your Thinking Process

Debugging is a common term in the world of coding, but it can also be applied to problem-solving in general. Just as developers analyze code to find and fix errors, you can analyze your thought process to identify and rectify flawed reasoning or assumptions.

Debugging your thinking involves critically examining your approach and being open to adjusting it as needed.

Imagine your thought process as a complex machine with gears and circuits. Just as software developers meticulously examine their code to find and fix errors, you can apply a similar approach to your thinking.

Debugging your thinking means dissecting your mental processes to uncover and rectify flaws or biases that might be hindering your problem-solving abilities.

Start by Recognizing Assumptions : Think about the assumptions you’ve made about the problem you’re facing. These assumptions can sometimes act as hidden bugs in your thought process. Are these assumptions well-founded, or have they been made hastily?

Challenge Your Biases : Human thinking is susceptible to biases and shortcuts. Reflect on your biases, whether they’re related to your past experiences, personal preferences, or cultural influences. Are these biases influencing your perception of the problem, causing you to favor certain solutions over others?

Seek Alternative Perspectives : Just as a developer might request input from colleagues during a code review, consider seeking feedback and alternative viewpoints from others. Their insights can shed light on aspects of the problem that you might have missed or misunderstood.

Actionable Tip:

Regularly review your problem-solving process. Ask yourself if you’re making any unfounded assumptions or if there are better ways to approach the problem. Don’t be afraid to backtrack and try a different approach if necessary.

3. Use Abstraction and Generalization

Developers frequently use abstraction to simplify complex systems. This involves focusing on the most relevant details while ignoring unnecessary intricacies.

Similarly, you can apply this concept to problem-solving by identifying the core elements and principles at play. Generalization is also vital, as it allows you to apply solutions from one context to another, finding commonalities between seemingly unrelated problems.

When confronted with a problem, try to abstract the essential elements. Ask yourself if there are any similarities between the current problem and others you’ve encountered in the past. This can lead to insights and solutions.

4. Embrace Trial and Error

Developers are no strangers to trial and error. They often test different approaches, observe the results, and iterate until they find the best solution.

This willingness to experiment and learn from mistakes is a valuable mindset for problem-solving in any domain.

Again, don’t be afraid to try different strategies when facing a problem. Keep track of what works and what doesn’t, and be open to adjusting your approach based on the feedback you receive.

5. Collaborate and Seek Feedback

Collaboration is a cornerstone of software development. Developers frequently work in teams, leveraging the diverse skills and perspectives of their colleagues. Similarly, seeking input and feedback from others can be invaluable in problem-solving, as it provides fresh insights and alternative viewpoints.

When you encounter a challenging problem, reach out to others for input. Discuss your approach with peers or mentors and be open to their suggestions. Collaboration can lead to breakthroughs that you might not have achieved on your own.

6. Stay Persistent and Patient

Solving complex problems, whether in coding or other areas, often requires persistence and patience. Developers understand that some issues can be elusive and may take time to unravel. This mindset of not giving up and remaining patient can help you tackle difficult challenges with determination.

Set realistic expectations for solving problems and understand that it might take time. Keep a positive attitude, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Remember that persistence often leads to breakthroughs.

Thinking like a developer involves adopting a problem-solving mindset rooted in breaking down complex issues, debugging your thought process, using abstraction and generalization, embracing trial and error, collaborating, and staying persistent.

These strategies are not limited to the world of software development; they can be applied to various aspects of our life and work. By developing not only your skills, but also your problem-solving abilities with these principles in mind, you can become a more effective and efficient thinker, capable of tackling challenges with confidence. Whether you’re a developer or not, thinking like one can be a powerful asset in our technology-driven world.

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Problem Solving in Web Development: Tips and Techniques for Identifying and Resolving Issues

Problem solving in web development can often be a complex and time-consuming process. One helpful tool that can assist with this process is the web browser console.

The web browser console is a feature found in most modern web browsers that allow developers to view messages, warnings, and errors generated by their web pages and applications. This can be a valuable resource when trying to troubleshoot issues and identify potential problems with a website or web application.

One common use for the web browser console is to look for clues when dealing with javascript errors. JavaScript is a programming language that is widely used to create interactive and dynamic elements on web pages. However, like any other programming language, it is prone to errors and bugs.

When a javascript error occurs on a web page, it can cause the page to behave unexpectedly or even stop functioning altogether. By using the web browser console, developers can view detailed information about the error, including the specific line of code where the error occurred, the type of error, and a description of the error.

To access the web browser console, developers can use the following keyboard shortcuts:

• In Google Chrome, use CTRL + SHIFT + J (Windows) or CMD + OPT + J (Mac)
• In Mozilla Firefox, use CTRL + SHIFT + K (Windows) or CMD + OPT + K (Mac)
• In Microsoft Edge, use CTRL + SHIFT + J (Windows) or CMD + OPT + J (Mac)

Once the web browser console is open, developers can view any javascript errors that have occurred on the page by looking for messages with the “error” label. These messages will provide detailed information about the error, including the specific line of code where the error occurred, the type of error, and a description of the error.

By using the web browser console to view javascript errors, developers can quickly identify potential issues and take steps to resolve them. This can help improve the overall performance and functionality of a website or web application.

A web browser console is a valuable tool for web developers when it comes to problem solving and troubleshooting javascript errors. By using the web browser console, developers can view detailed information about javascript errors and take steps to resolve them, ultimately improving the performance and functionality of their web pages and applications.

In addition to using the web browser console to look for clues when dealing with javascript errors, there are several other tips that can help with problem solving in web development.

One effective approach is to break down the problem into smaller, more manageable pieces. This can make it easier to identify the specific cause of the issue and come up with a solution. It can also be helpful to create a test case that reproduces the issue, as this can make it easier to isolate the problem and determine a fix.

Another useful tip is to use debugging tools, such as breakpoints and console logs, to help identify the root cause of the problem. Breakpoints allow developers to pause the execution of their code at a specific point, allowing them to inspect the state of the code and see what is happening behind the scenes. Console logs, on the other hand, allow developers to output messages and data to the web browser console, providing valuable information about the state of their code.

It can also be helpful to consult online resources, such as forums, tutorials, and documentation, to find solutions to common problems. Many web development issues have been encountered and resolved by other developers, and these resources can provide valuable insights and solutions.

Finally, it is important to keep an open mind and be willing to experiment and try different approaches when problem solving in web development. It is often necessary to test and iterate on different solutions before finding the one that works best. By staying open to new ideas and approaches, developers can be better equipped to tackle even the most complex problems.

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Essential Skills Every Web Developer Should Master

Aspiring to become a web developer? Learn the key skills needed, from coding to problem-solving, and kickstart your career in web development.

Avinash Bidkar

Introduction:.

A steady infusion of new tools, technology, and approaches characterizes the dynamic and ever-evolving field of web development. The need for qualified web developers has increased dramatically as the digital world grows.

However, what foundational skills define a proficient web developer amidst this technological whirlwind? While chasing the latest trends is tempting, specific core competencies remain timeless. These fundamental abilities, which combine technical proficiency and soft skills, not only serve as the foundation for successful web development but also guarantee that a developer will be able to adjust to changes in the market. This essay examines these vital competencies in-depth, illuminating what it takes to master the art and science of web development properly.

1. Proficiency in Core Web Technologies

Web development's foundational trinity—HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—is indispensable.

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language): It's not just about tags; it's about semantic richness. Advanced developers use HTML5 features like <canvas> for graphics, <audio>, and <video> for multimedia and semantic tags like <section>, <figure>, and <details>. They ensure that web content is structured in a way accessible to users and search engines, leveraging attributes like data-* custom data and providing SEO optimization.
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Beyond mere styling, CSS is about creating immersive user experiences. Advanced developers leverage CSS3 animations, transitions, and transformations. They understand the Box Model in-depth, employ CSS variables for theming, and use pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements for enhanced interactivity. Tools like CSS Grid and Flexbox are second nature to them, allowing for complex layouts with minimal code.
• JavaScript: The world of JavaScript is vast. Proficient developers understand the core language and ES6 features like destructuring, async/await, and generators. They harness the power of the JavaScript engine, understanding event loops, promises, and the nuances of asynchronous programming. They're also familiar with the Document Object Model (DOM), manipulating it efficiently without causing unnecessary reflows or repaints.

2. Responsive Web Design

• Craft fluid layouts that adapt from mobile screens to 4K displays.
• Use vector graphics, ensuring crisp visuals regardless of device resolution.
• Implement adaptive loading, delivering content based on device capabilities.
• Understand the importance of touch targets, ensuring mobile-friendly interactions.

3. Backend Development

• Design RESTful services, ensuring stateless and cacheable APIs.
• Implement authentication and authorization, safeguarding user data.
• Optimize database queries, ensuring rapid data retrieval.
• Understand server scalability, employing load balancers or distributed systems when necessary.
• Use containerization tools like Docker for consistent development environments.

4. Version Control/Git

• Use advanced branching strategies, like Git Flow or trunk-based development.
• Employ Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) pipelines, ensuring code quality and rapid deployment.
• Understand the intricacies of .gitignore and .gitattributes for repository optimization.
• Use tools like git stash for context switching and git cherry-pick for selective commits.

5. Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

• Employ design patterns, ensuring code modularity and reusability.
• Use debugging tools, from simple console.log statements to advanced debuggers.
• Understand Big O notation, optimizing algorithms for performance.
• Regularly refactor, ensuring code remains clean and maintainable.

6. Frameworks and Libraries

• Deeply understand the life cycles in frameworks, from component mounting to updates.
• Employ middleware in frameworks for tasks like logging or error handling.
• Use utility libraries to speed up everyday tasks, avoiding "reinventing the wheel."
• Understand the source code of popular libraries, ensuring optimal usage.

7. Browser Developer Tools

• Profile memory usage, ensuring no memory leaks in applications.
• Use network tabs to monitor API calls, ensuring optimal data transfer.
• Simulate slow networks or CPU throttling, ensuring applications perform well under stress.
• Use coverage tools to identify and eliminate unused code.

8. Web Performance Optimization

• Implement Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for near-native experiences.
• Use tools like Webpack for bundle optimization.
• Implement prerendering or server-side rendering for rapid first paints.
• Understand the Critical Rendering Path, optimizing every stage for speed.

9. Soft Skills

• Actively participate in code reviews, both as reviewers and reviewees.
• Present tech talks, sharing knowledge with peers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, from designers to marketers.
• Handle criticism constructively, viewing it as a growth opportunity.

10. Continuous Learning

• Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars, staying updated.
• Participate in hackathons, challenging themselves regularly.
• Contribute to open-source projects, giving back to the community and learning.
• Engage in online forums like software developer courses , both asking questions and providing answers.

Why are these skills essential?

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, mastering the skills above is paramount for several compelling reasons:

1. Complete Understanding : A firm grasp of fundamental web technologies like HTML , CSS, and JavaScript gives one a solid understanding of how the internet functions. This information is essential since it is the cornerstone for all web-based initiatives. Developers risk getting lost in the complex web of digital creation without this basis.

2. Adaptability: With the proliferation of devices, from smartphones to smart TVs, responsive web design ensures that content is accessible and user-friendly across all platforms. As user experience becomes a primary differentiator, the ability to craft fluid designs is indispensable.

3. Holistic Development: While specializing is valuable, having a broad skill set encompassing both frontend and backend development offers a holistic view of the entire development process. This comprehensive perspective enables developers to troubleshoot effectively, innovate solutions, and work seamlessly within cross-functional teams.

4. Efficient Collaboration: Version control, especially tools like Git, is the linchpin of modern collaborative development. It ensures that teams can work simultaneously without conflicts, track changes, and maintain a historical record of code evolution.

5. Problem-Solving Prowess: At its core, coding is about solving problems. The ability to think critically, approach challenges methodically, and devise efficient solutions is the hallmark of an exceptional developer. This not only enhances code quality but also accelerates project timelines.

6. Staying Relevant: The tech industry is characterized by its rapid pace of change. Frameworks, tools, and best practices are continuously evolving. By mastering contemporary frameworks and libraries, web developers ensure they remain relevant, meeting industry standards and user expectations.

7. Performance Optimization: In today's digital age, user patience is thin. Slow-loading websites can lead to significant user drop-offs. Skills related to web performance optimization ensure that applications are snappy, retaining user engagement.

8. Constant Growth: The technological landscape is dynamic. Continuous learning is essential, not simply a luxury. Developers may provide cutting-edge solutions by remaining current by utilizing the most recent technologies, processes, and tools.

Conclusion:

The secret to navigating effectively in the vast ocean of web development, where new frameworks and tools appear virtually daily, is to anchor oneself to fundamental abilities. All additional information is based on these essential competencies, which range from learning fundamental web technologies to developing problem-solving skills.

Additionally, in a field where cooperation is expected, soft skills like teamwork and communication become just as important as technical expertise. Ultimately, a web developer's path is one of continuous learning. A great web developer will embrace change, remain interested, and consistently hone their talents. Those proficient in these fundamental abilities will surely lead the way as the digital world changes, creating digital experiences that resonate and engage.

What fundamental web technologies must be mastered by any prospective web developer?

Regarding web development, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the holy trinity. Web pages' organization, appearance, and interactivity depend on these technologies.

Why is responsive web design so crucial in the current digital environment?

To provide a consistent and user-friendly experience, responsive web design ensures that information adjusts fluidly across different device sizes, from smartphone screens to 4K monitors.

How does version control, especially Git, enhance collaborative web development?

Git facilitates modern development workflows, allowing teams to work simultaneously without conflicts, track changes, and maintain a historical record of code evolution.

Can you explain the significance of soft skills in web development?

Soft skills like teamwork and communication are invaluable for web developers as they often collaborate with cross-functional teams, handle feedback, and share knowledge with peers.

Why is continuous learning vital for web developers in the ever-evolving tech industry?

The tech landscape changes rapidly, with new tools and frameworks emerging regularly. Continuous learning ensures developers stay updated, meeting industry standards and user expectations.

Our Courses

Practice-Based Learning Tracks, Supercharged By A.I.

Soft Skills For Tech Part 2: Steps To Improve Your Problem-Solving As A Web Developer

by Samantha Anderson on April 4th, 2023

Improve your problem-solving skills as web developer in 3 steps.

It’s a typical Monday morning at the office.

You grab your coffee and sit down at your desk, ready to tackle your day's to-do list.

Suddenly, your manager stops by and hands you a new project, telling you that it has a tight deadline.

As you delve into the project, you quickly realize that this is going to be a challenging one.

You try different approaches, but nothing seems to work…

It requires some serious troubleshooting.

You become frustrated and overwhelmed, realizing that your problem-solving skills need some serious improvement.

If you can relate, then you know that problem-solving is an essential skill for web developers.

It's not just about coding; it's about being able to break down complex problems, come up with creative solutions, and work effectively with others to implement those solutions.

With that, welcome to Part Two of our "Soft Skills for Tech" series.

In Part 1 we covered how to improve your communication as a web developer .

Here we are focusing on how to improve your problem-solving skills as a web developer.

Problem-solving is a critical skill in the tech industry, as developers are constantly faced with new and complex challenges.

Whether you're fixing bugs, developing new features, or troubleshooting issues, problem-solving is an integral part of your job.

The ability to approach problems with a clear and structured mindset can make all the difference in finding effective solutions.

Here are three steps you can take to improve your problem-solving skills:

1. practice brainstorming and idea generation techniques, such as mind mapping or lateral thinking..

Brainstorming is a technique that involves generating a large number of ideas in a short amount of time.

Mind mapping is another technique that can help you organize your thoughts and ideas.

With lateral thinking, you look at a problem from a different perspective or angle to come up with unique solutions.

Start each idea generation technique with the mindset that no idea is a bad idea.

Set a timer for a few minutes, write everything down, and sort through what you’ve written at the end.

You’ll be surprised by the connections and further idea you’ll make while sorting.

By using these techniques, you can develop a more creative approach to problem-solving.

2. Break problems down into smaller, more manageable pieces and approach them one step at a time.

When faced with a complex problem, it's easy to become overwhelmed.

Breaking the problem down into smaller, more manageable pieces can help you stay focused and make progress.

Start by identifying the root cause of the problem, and then break it down into smaller tasks that you can tackle one at a time.

This approach can help you feel more in control and make the problem more manageable.

3. Seek feedback and input from others to get different perspectives on problems.

Sometimes, we can get stuck in our own way of thinking, which can limit our ability to solve problems.

Seeking feedback and input from others can provide you with fresh perspectives and new ideas.

It's important to approach others with an open mind and listen to their ideas without judgment.

By doing so, you may discover new solutions or approaches that you hadn't considered before.

Problem-solving is a crucial skill for any web developer.

By practicing brainstorming techniques, breaking problems down into smaller pieces, and seeking feedback from others, you can develop a more creative and effective approach to problem-solving.

We hope these tips will help you become a more skilled and successful web developer.

Keep an eye out for our next installment in the "Soft Skills for Tech" series.

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The Most Popular Coding Challenge Websites

If you want to improve your analytical skills, there's no better way to do that than solving problems.

If you are a programmer, then this is something you should do for yourself. Programmers need to deal with all sorts of problems almost every day.

Most importantly, solving problems in an efficient manner can make you much more productive. And solving challenging problems helps us do that.

You can watch this complete video on YouTube as well if you like 🎥

Why Should You Develop Your Problem-Solving Skills?

These days, technology is developing rapidly, and we are seeing some amazing changes and improvements almost every day.

Whenever we talk about technology, a buzzword appears in our mind – and that is coding or programming. Now, coding/programming isn't just about solving different kinds of problems using different programming languages, but it's a large part of what you'll do as a developer.

The fields of Web development, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, App Development, and many others require strong problem-solving skills.

There are many popular websites that help you do that by providing various types of problems where you need to apply your analytical and mathematical skills to solve each problem using programming languages.

I am going to provide you with a list of coding challenge websites that will help you become more advanced day by day.

Keep in mind that these websites are useful for everybody, whether you are new to coding challenges or you are a professional programmer and so on.

• Project Euler
• GeeksforGeeks
• Online Judge
• HackerEarth
• Code Jam - Google's Coding Competitions

Best Coding Challenge Websites

1. beecrowd (formerly uri).

beecrowd is perfect for those who have just started solving coding challenges and are looking for a beginner-friendly website. It used to be named URI , so there is a chance that you are already familiar with this site as URI.

If you want to solve problems in a specific category, then you're in luck as this website also offers that.

Here is an image of a Strings problem set. You can also filter the problems by the ID (#), name (NAME), Subject (SUBJECT), solved (SOLVED), and so on. Beginners like these features very much.

On this website, you can also take part in different programming contests, and check your global ranking, country-wide ranking, and university-wide ranking.

Also, you can check your progress, how many days have passed after signing up, how many problems you have solved, how many points you have got, and more.

You will also get a nice profile page that looks beautiful as well. 😊 I used to practice solving problems on this website when I was just starting out my CP (Competitive Programming) journey. Not to mention, I got the 3rd position among 1250 students back then at my university. 🎉

You can also check out my beecrowd profile here .

2. HackerRank

HackerRank is one of the most popular coding practice websites out there. This is a nice platform for everyone, especially beginners.

The website looks nice and polished, and the users who come here the first time don't struggle when navigating throughout the website, so that is definitely a positive thing here.

HackerRank offers different portals for companies and developers. If you are learning to solve problems, then you will choose the For Developers section.

If you want to learn any specific topics or programming languages, then this website is the perfect place to get started in that. You can prepare yourself by topics. You can also take their certification exam and stand out from the crowd. I have already passed their Python (Basic) certification exam.

You can also choose preparation kits from there, and prepare yourself before your interview if you want. Moreover, you can take part in programming contests.

Here, you will also get a nice personal profile page. You can check out my profile from HackerRank here .

3. Codeforces

Codeforces is one of the most used and well-known coding challenge and practice websites in the world, and it is sponsored by Telegram. Especially if you know about CP (Competitive Programming), then there is a high chance you have heard a lot about this website.

Although the website might look a little bit different to newcomers, you won't need much time to get used to it. You can train yourself by solving problems of different categories, difficulty levels, and so on.

Competitive programmers have ranks based on their successful results in programming contests. If you have heard about the RED coder / PURPLE coder, etc, then it is definitely from Codeforces.

You can get the idea of the ranking system on Codeforces from the image above. For more details, you can check out this blog entry .

Codeforces arranges contests regularly each week, and they are categorized into div 1, div 2, div 3 and div 4. They also arrange global round and educational round contests. You can get the timeline of the contests directly from here .

Codeforces also provides a nice user profile on their website. You can check mine here as well.

4. LeetCode

If you are familiar with the FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google) buzzword, then you should definitely know about this website! If you want to practice for your coding interview for the big giant tech companies like FAANG, then they all do leetcoding .

You might think that I have made a typo in the above paragraph. No, I didn't. LeetCode has become this popular among people who target FAANG and those who are working on their problem solving skills. Taking part in contests on LeetCode has become common, and people call it leetcoding!

Here, you can solve a lot of problems, and filter the problems by the lists, difficulty levels, status, and tags.

You can also choose problems regarding Arrays, Strings, Hash Tables, Dynamic Programming, and many other categories.

As I mentioned above, you can also take part in programming contests. The only thing that makes LeetCode different is that it is based on Algorithm practice. Yeah, LeetCode is not like any other coding website, because it focuses on algorithm practice alone.

You do not need to provide the full code for solving a problem here, you just need to crack the solution by providing a valid algorithm using any popular language that can solve the problem.

You also get to see how your code performs among others, how much space and time it takes, and so on.

Most importantly, LeetCode has an amazing discussion group where people talk about their problems, solutions, how to improve their algorithms, how to improve the efficiency of their code, and so on. This is one of the most powerful features of LeetCode.

One sad part about LeetCode is that you will not get every feature for free! Yeah, it's true. You have to pay for it monthly or yearly to unlock all its features. There are a lot of problems you will find locked on the website. You can not unlock them if you do not purchase the premium plan.

If you are just starting your algorithm journey on LeetCode, then actually you don't need to worry about their premium plans as the free version will be more than enough for you.

Later, if you want to become more serious, then paying for their premium subscription will be a big deal actually as you'll get a ton more features. This is very much helpful, and includes things like top interview questions, top FAANG questions, video explanations, and more.

You also get a nice profile page on LeetCode. You can check out mine here .

I was pretty confused before writing this section, as Kaggle is not a typical website for coding practice. This website is basically for Data Science, and it's one of the most popular websites out there for this.

Kaggle is an online community platform for data scientists and machine learning enthusiasts.

It is a popular crowd-sourced platform to attract, nurture, train, and challenge Data Science and Machine Learning enthusiasts from all around the world to come together and solve numerous Data Science, Predictive Analytics, and Machine Learning problems.

So if you are interested in Data Science, then you should check this website. Here you can check others' notebooks, submit your notebook, join in the contests, improve datasets, and so on.

Kaggle allows users to collaborate with other users, find and publish datasets, use GPU integrated notebooks, and compete with other data scientists to solve data science challenges.

Also, if you are interested in data science, but don't know where to start, then don't worry! Kaggle has got you covered. You can check their learning section where they have many free courses which will teach you a lot of stuff from the beginning.

✨ BONUS: If you want to learn more then I'd suggest that you complete the data science playlist from freeCodeCamp's YouTube channel.

Kaggle also provides rankings and a nice user profile. You can check out my profile here .

6. CodeChef

CodeChef is another popular Indian website like HackerRank where you can solve a lot of problems, take part in contests, and so on.

You can filter the problems based on different categories and solve them using any of the most popular programming languages.

They also have a learning section on their website where you can learn how to solve problems in a systematic way. This is super helpful, especially for beginners.

In their learning section, you can choose self-learning, mentored learning, and doubt support. Some of them are free of charge, but in some courses, you have to pay before you can start them.

This website also provides user ranking including the global ranking and country-wide ranking. They also provide a user profile on their website. You can check out mine here although I am not active on most of the websites right now. 😅

AtCoder is a programming contest website based in Japan. Makoto Soejima (rng_58) who is one of the former admins and problem writers from Topcoder is a founding member of AtCoder.

On this website, you can take part in different programming contests. They held regular programming contests on Saturdays and Sundays. Also, you can solve problems from previously held programming contests.

I have seen a lot of people regularly participate in the programming contests and solve problems previously used in the contests regularly by solving problems on AtCoder. I also tried that for a while to check the efficiency, and truth to be told, it was really effective.

Here you can also check the global ranking. Here you will also get your own profile page where you and others can see your global ranking and so on.

8. Topcoder

Topcoder (formerly TopCoder) is a crowdsourcing company with an open global community of designers, developers, data scientists, and competitive programmers. Topcoder pays community members for their work on the projects and sells community services to corporate, mid-size, and small-business clients.

Here you can earn, learn, and do a lot more in their MVP program. For earning, you can participate in five different tracks, become a copilot, become a reviewer, and also get a freelance contract gig through Topcoder Gig Work .

Personally, I feel this website is a little bit overwhelming for beginners. You can get more details in the YouTube videos I have made for you.

9. Coderbyte

Coderbyte has a huge collection of problems that you can solve. They also offer a challenging library, starter courses, interview kits, career resources and so on.

To get all the features, you need to buy a subscription plan from them. I personally liked their interview kit a lot.

Here you will also get a personal profile page.

10. Project Euler

Project Euler is a series of challenging mathematical/computer programming problems that will require more than just mathematical insights to solve.

Project Euler is a great website for solving mathematical challenging problems. But solving a problem on this website requires more than just simple mathematical knowledge.

If you want to solve mathematical problems in a more analytical way, then this website will come in handy.

11. Codewars

Codewars is a coding challenge website for people of all programming levels. It claims to have a community of over 3 million developers.

One of the biggest benefits of this website is that it is highly focused on algorithms like LeetCode. Moreover, if your goal is to get very good at writing clean and efficient programs, then this website can be a great asset to you.

In Codewars, you will see Kata and Kyu a lot.

Kyu (or Kyū) indicates the number of degrees away from master level (Dan). This is why they count downward. Once you reach master level, we count upward. Black belts in martial arts are Dan level.

On Codewars, kata are code challenges focused on improving skill and technique. Some train programming fundamentals, while others focus on complex problem solving. Others are puzzles meant to test your creative problem solving, while others are based on real world coding scenarios.

If you want to know more about how the ranking system works on Codewars, then simply check their docs here .

On Codewars you will also get a nice profile page like mine . Keep in mind that I haven't solved that much on this website; therefore my profile page would seem empty. 😅

Additionally, I find their leaderboard page quite amusing.

SPOJ is a website that contains huge problems for solving. It claims to have 315,000 registered users and over 20,000 problems.

According to GFG,

You can start solving problems with maximum submission and follow or check the submission of good coders here. Once you solved around 50-70 problems and build some confidence, you can participate in different contests.

Their problem set is also quite amusing.

You will also get a nice user profile page here which you can use to showcase your problem solve skills.

13. CodinGame

In CodinGame, you can improve your coding skills with fun exercises in more than 25 programming languages.

It is a good website for intermediate and advanced software engineers to have fun while continuing to keep their skills sharp. Also, the challenges are gamified and the multiplayer access means that users can challenge friends and coworkers.

14. GeeksforGeeks (Popularly known as GFG)

You might wonder why I am including GFG in this article as it only provides algorithms, tutorials, and so on.

Well, that's not all they offer. Yes, GFG is pretty popular for its tutorials, algorithms, and so on, but they also provide a nice problem-solving platform here .

You can also filter the problems as you see fit for yourself.

You will also get your profile page where you can show your progress in problem solving on the GFG website.

Competitive programmers participate in programming contests and solve many problems on this website. This website is kind of special to the Bangladeshi people as the Bangladeshi universities arrange many programming contests through it.

You can solve problems in different categories on this website, and they also offer you a nice profile page. They also provide rankings based on your performance in the programming contests.

If you are a complete beginner in problem solving, then this website can help you a lot in starting your problem solving journey.

16. LightOJ

In LightOJ, you can solve a lot of categorized problems. It is highly based on solving algorithmic problems. Their problems are categorized as below:

• LightOJ Volumes
• Advanced Search Techniques
• Data Structures
• Divide And Conquer
• Dynamic Programming
• Fast Fourier Transform
• Flow/Matching
• Game Theory
• Graph Theory
• Parsing/Grammar
• Recursion/Branch and Bound

They also provide you with a nice profile page where you can see your activities. It might seem odd, but sometimes I find this website better than LeetCode in some cases. Moreover, everything you do on this website is completely free of cost!

17. Exercism

You can develop your programming fluency in 57 different programming languages with their unique blend of learning, practice and mentoring.

Exercism is completely free of cost, and it's built by people like us. You can also contribute or donate to them to support their amazing service for free.

They also provide a very nice user profile page which also shows everything you have done on their website, starting from publishing to maintaining.

On their tracks page, you will get a list of 57 different programming languages where you can start your practice.

Solving problems on their website seems super fun to me. I really liked the way they manage their website.

18. Online Judge (Commonly known as UVa)

This is one of the oldest websites out there for solving programming-related problems. I still find it to be a very hard website for beginners. The UI and navigation of the website are also very old.

All of the questions come with a PDF here. You need to download the PDF file of the problem if you want to solve problems as they do not offer a direct preview of the questions.

They have a lot of problemsets on their website . I still find a lot of users using this website nowadays. Therefore, I mentioned it here.

19. HackerEarth

HackerEarth is an Indian software company headquartered in San Francisco, US, that provides enterprise software that helps organisations with their technical hiring needs. HackerEarth is used by organizations for technical skill assessment and remote video interviewing.

You can practice your problem solving skills from their practice page. Also, you can participate in programming challenges and hackathons from their challenges page.

Their interview prep section is quite amazing. You can take part in the mock assessments for the Adobe Coding Test, Facebook Coding Test, and Amazon Coding Test.

They also provide a nice user profile for everyone.

20. Code Jam - Google's Coding Competitions

Google Code Jam is an international programming competition hosted and administered by Google. The competition began in 2003. The competition consists of a set of algorithmic problems which must be solved in a fixed amount of time.

If you are interested in taking part in the Code Jam contests, then their archive section is full of amazing resources for you where you can get the earlier questions and practice them.

They also offer a lot of prize money in their contests. An example can be:

Out of thousands of participants, only the top 25 will head to the World Finals to compete for the title of World Champion and cash prizes of up to $15,000. And there will be plenty of other prizes to go around — the top 1,000 competitors will win an exclusive Code Jam 2022 t-shirt.

21. ICPC - International Collegiate Programming Contest

ICPC is one of the most prestigious programming contests in the world.

The International Collegiate Programming Contest, known as the ICPC, is an annual multi-tiered competitive programming competition among the universities of the world.

Who is eligible for ICPC?

ACM/ICPC is a team-based competition with certain requirements to the participants: only post-secondary students and first-year post-graduate students no older than 24 are eligible; each team consists of three members. One can participate in the finals no more than twice and in the regionals no more than five times.

Personal Opinion

If you are a complete beginner, then start with beecrowd . If you want to start problem solving along with learning a specific programming language, then start with HackerRank .

After solving almost 50+ problems on beecrowd or HackerRank, start solving problems on Codeforces . The first time, you won't be able to do that well in the programming contests on Codeforces, and that is completely okay – it is natural. You just need to try regularly. The questions might seem pretty hard to you, but it'll become easier day by day after solving problems continuously.

You can participate in AtCoder the day you start solving problems on Codeforces. You can also try CodeChef , but I find Codeforces is enough in this case.

This will prepare you for the ICPC and Code Jam . Don't forget to solve the earlier questions on Code Jam.

If you want to gain expertise in Data Science, then simply go for Kaggle .

If you want to gain expertise in Algorithms, then LeetCode , and LightOJ are your only places. GeeksforGeeoks will also help you in this aspect.

For LeetCode, get some help from Nick White . His LeetCode Solution playlist has 189 videos as of today, and you will learn a lot from him, trust me!

Another good resource is Neetcode where you can get curated problems and their solutions from LeetCode. The official YouTube channel of Neetcode is also a great channel.

Additional Websites

You might find the websites below useful too!

⭐ StopStalk

This website retrieves your friends' recent submissions from various competitive websites (Such as Codeforces, SPOJ, HackerRank, Timus, and so on) and shows all of them in one place. You can check my StopStalk profile from here .

⭐ CodersRank

This is a platform made to help developers in job-seeking and professional growth. Here, your CodersRank profile serves as a proven track record of your coding knowledge.

You have to connect your private and public repositories here from GitHub to generate your true CodersRank profile. You can also check my CodersRank profile from here .

Thanks for reading the entire article. If it helps you then you can also check out other articles of mine at freeCodeCamp .

If you want to get in touch with me, then you can do so using Twitter , LinkedIn , and GitHub .

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What is Web Development? The Complete 2024 Beginner’s Guide

With the continued growth of the tech industry, a question that comes up often is: What is web development?”

Let’s begin by defining the term. Once we’ve done that, we’ll also cover the different types involved, the skills needed, and the stages of web development.

To become a web developer , it’s useful to learn web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You’ll also need to understand the different types and stages of web development.

If you’d like to skip ahead to a certain section, just use the clickable menu:

• What is web development, actually?

Frontend development

Backend development, full-stack development.

• Web design vs web development

Problem-solving skills

Technologies, design principles.

• Is web development hard?
• What are the five stages of web development?
• How to become a web developer

1. What is web development, actually?

Web development, or website development in full, can be defined as writing software programs that run on a browser. When you learn web development, you become a web developer.

A web developer doesn’t just build websites where users can get information about a company, for example.

They can build website applications (web apps) too. These are typically more versatile than websites. For example, they may include payment integrations, like being able to check out with PayPal. 

A web developer can put information in a database and retrieve it when a user asks for it through a browser.

Let’s explore the different web development types briefly.

2. Types of web development

Any more specific answer to the question “What is web development?” becomes “Well, which type?” Essentially, it can be categorized into three major types—frontend, backend, and full-stack development.

Frontend development involves writing code for the UI, or user interface. This is the part of the website that users interact with. It’s what they see when they visit a website.

They are able to sign up, log in, and see different dashboards, for example.

People who write frontend code are referred to as frontend developers.

Frontend developers write code that requests information from the “backend,” for example to enable users to log in. Don’t worry—more on that in the next section!

Once the information is retrieved, it’s displayed on the UI. If you click “login,” you get to see your dashboard. The dashboard may show your profile information, for example.

Frontend developers use technologies like HTML, CSS, and frontend JavaScript frameworks like React to write programs.

You can learn more about frontend development in our beginner’s guide to becoming a frontend developer.

Backend development mainly involves writing what is known as “business logic”—how information is passed between the frontend and backend.

The “backend” is the part of the software that the user cannot see. When a user clicks “login,”  for example, they’re not able to see the database where their login data is stored. 

In this sense, the backend is more abstract.

A backend web developer writes code that dictates how information flows, for example, between the user and the database. 

A backend developer also writes code that allows for additional functionality. This code is known as API (application programming interface) code.

APIs allow developers to add functionality to an application. For example, being able to make payments via PayPal.

Backend web developers will work with databases like PostgreSQL and MongoDB and with JavaScript backend framework technologies like Node.js.

If you’re intrigued by this area of web development, then you can learn more in our full backend developer guide .

A full-stack developer is someone who writes code for both the frontend and backend.

A full-stack developer can create a web application from end to end—that is, they can create the UI, write the logic for data to flow from the backend to the user, and even handle functionalities like payment integrations.

A full-stack developer uses technologies like HTML and CSS, as well as frontend and backend JavaScript frameworks, to build an entire application.

Want to learn more about this exciting area of web development? Check out our complete beginner’s guide to what a full-stack developer does .

3. Web design vs web development

You might have heard that some design is involved in web development. Or you might be more inclined toward how a website looks and don’t want to learn much programming.

Web design is an important part of web development. Design takes into account how a website or application looks and feels when the user is interacting with it. 

Web design focuses on the UX, or user experience, of your application or site. Is the site or app intuitive for the user? Can they easily find the information they need? 

Web design also takes the UI into account. Essentially, it’s a combination of UI and UX design .

As a result, web designers are also known as UI/UX designers.

Web designers create a vision of how the site or app will look, beginning with a wireframe. A wireframe is a basic sketch of what a site will look like. You can learn all about these in our comprehensive wireframing guide .

Web development, therefore, involves implementing the laid-out design using code. The goal of web development is to really bring the design to life using code. 

If you want to learn a little more about how these two roles interact, we’ve got a full article on web design vs web development to compare them.

4. What skills do you need to become a web developer?

To be a good web developer, you need a subset of skills that can be put into the following broad categories:

As a web developer, your main job will be to come up with solutions to problems. You’ll use user stories to guide your development process. 

An example of a user story is, “Alex should be able to log in to the web application using their Gmail account.”

You then need to write code that helps Alex achieve the above goal. This might include steps like:

• Designing a button for Alex to click.
• Ensuring that the button redirects Alex to their Gmail account.
• Redirecting Alex back to the application.
• Giving Alex access to the application.

The above steps will involve a number of technologies.

Whether you end up being a frontend, backend, or full-stack web developer, it helps to understand the entire web development process. 

The core technologies that you need to learn are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

You will also need to learn about wireframes and the tools that surround them. Figma is one of the most popular ones.

Other important technologies to learn include version control tools like Git, testing tools like Jasmine, and GitHub, where you will store your code and collaborate with others. GitHub is also a great platform to build your developer profile. 

Once you have grasped HTML, CSS, and JavaScript basics, it’s now time to learn advanced skills like databases and JavaScript frameworks like React and Node.js .

Important note: JavaScript is not the only programming language that is used for web development. However, it’s a great one to start with, especially if you’re new to programming.

Other languages used for the web include Python, Ruby, and Java. For even more, check out our guide to the most popular programming languages .

Generative AI tools and techniques

In 2024, after the whirlwind year of AI launches we’ve just had, it would be impossible to ignore the growing impact on web development. As senior programmer and writer Nicole Abramowski explains in her analysis of AI and web development :

As we look ahead, it’s evident that AI will continue to shape the future of web development, but in a  collaborative  manner with human programmers, not a combative one.

This collaborative way means that learning and understanding the basics is vital for any and all developers. Combining that with knowledge of some effective AI programming tools will set you up perfectly for a successful career.

Even if you do not end up specializing in web design, learning design principles will go a long way toward making you a better web developer. 

As you write code, you’ll have the user in mind and ensure that you deliver a site or application that gives them the best UX.

It’ll also help you collaborate with different team members; for example, it will help you understand why they chose a particular aspect or even offer your insights. 

5. Is web development hard?

Web development, just like any new skill, might seem hard to learn at the beginning. Start by learning the basics first and building on that knowledge.

As we’ve seen, there are several skills, tools, and technologies to learn. Over time, as you constantly learn and understand the different parts, it becomes easier. 

You can learn more about how to overcome these fears in our full guide answering the question “ Is coding hard to learn? ”

The last thing we’ll say is that although it might be challenging at times, a career in web development is definitely worth it, as any statistics from the developer job market will show you!

6. What are the five stages of web development?

We’ve already come across some of the stages of web development, for example, wireframing and testing. Let’s briefly discuss the rest of the stages.

Requirements

Define user stories and break them down into particular features to be built. This is usually done by a product owner if you work for a company that uses Agile or Scrum.

Wireframing

Discuss your website design and create wireframes with the user’s experience in mind.

Development

Begin building your features with your user stories in mind. If using the Agile approach, development is divided into phases known as sprints.

Ideally, tests are written at the beginning of development. More advanced testing is done after the project is complete, for example, to see how the site would perform with an influx of users.

Launch and feedback

The final stage is when users get access to your app or site. No product is perfect, and it’s only judicious to have a way for customers to give feedback.

7. How to become a web developer

There are several paths to becoming a web developer. Here’s a very short overview of them:

• Take the “self taught” path or enroll in a coding bootcamp , in person or online
• Go to a conventional college or university and pursue a degree like Computer Science
• Choose a more self-paced option with free or paid courses

Everyone learns differently and has different aims, so it helps to take your time to plan your path.

Final thoughts

So there you have it! We’ve walked through a broad overview of what is web development, the different types and stages involved, as well as the skills you need to become a web developer.

We’ve also differentiated between web development and design.

Even though web development might seem really difficult at the beginning, it’s a skill you can build and, over time, get better at. 

If you’d like to try web development out to see if it’s for you, we’ve got a great and simple way—a free 5-day coding course . In it, you’ll build and style your first website, using the coding languages HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

You can get a sneak preview into the course here, by watching our first lesson, where our own in

Fancy reading more about the world of web development first? Then check out these articles:

• What is rubber duck debugging?
• 7 advantages of learning Python for web development
• What is a framework in web development, and why are they useful?

Sep 05, 2022 · 8 min read

Problem-solving skills of great developers

Developers are not strictly bound to doing plain technical work – quite interestingly opposite; development entails deep thinking and putting great focus on problem-solving tasks.

Marija Neshkoska

Content Writer

Find your next developer

Engaging in strategic and parallel thinking

Reusing solutions, mastering abstraction, using a variety of tools and platforms, adopting a data-flow mindset, dividing and simplifying workload, adding challenges in leisure time activities too, the takeaway.

This profession requires a lot of practice, and all experienced developers back this up. The basis, the sole start, and continuation of programming and development mean that these professionals hone their problem-solving skills daily. How developers think, speak, engage in communication (including mind-exercising activities) all sum up how they solve problems and think ahead during a task.

Practicing problem-solving doesn’t happen intentionally most of the time, and it could be said it is a type of mindset, a type of curiosity to get to the bottom of things most efficiently. Finding a solution is one thing, but enjoying the process of analyzing and overviewing is what completes the whole mental process of problem-solving in development.

With this said, we could conclude that seeking an easy way out for solutions is not enough for devs, and they need to engage mentally and sometimes even for hours on end once that deep focus starts. Working in development (and programming) includes a great passion for it foremost, and a lot of patience, as well as the ability to engage in long sessions of thinking and delving into uninterrupted focus waves. Later, this results in excelling in a specific development field as well.

In the article below, we will mention a few of the best problem-solving skills that all great software developers have in common and some comments on how all that can be achieved.

Strategic thinking is one of the best things someone could acquire, master, learn, and practice. This type of thinking, where you know how to recognize and anticipate something in advance, teaches you to calculate risks beforehand and avoid any faulty maneuvers down the road. It is a logical, rational, and calculated way of thinking through leveraging an analytical mindset.

Parallel thinking was a term well known to ancient philosophers and their approaches. It refers to thinking in more than just one direction, similar to a debate, but without any seemingly negative strategies resembling attacks and defensiveness. Instead, parallel thinking options are explored, possible solutions are thought through, facts are considered, until you finally reach a conclusion.

Strategic and parallel thinking is undoubtedly a significant asset when you need to study or practice something specific, and we can assume how valuable they are in the development industry.

In this case, a great developer can focus on one thing, for example, but still do more than one task at a given moment . When devs click and type, they already anticipate what would be needed next or what they need to focus on to resolve bugs or errors efficiently . In this way, developers think of all the possible interactions on the screen and use their ‘perspectives’ to think ahead and apply the best possible actions/solutions.

If something worked in the past, why can’t it work again? Devs have no issue using a previous efficient solution; as long as it works and does not interrupt the whole process, it can and should be reused to get a desirable result.

Problem-solving doesn’t always need to be perceived as complex , and the famous ‘Occam’s Razor’ of obvious, simple, and quick solutions can be (re)applied in many development processes.

Great devs use tools and practices that are already used and available and thus simplify their work. Where applicable (and where the task doesn’t require building something from scratch), they achieve excellent results with fewer resources.

Anyone can improve their problem-solving skills by practicing ‘abstraction.’ So, suppose parallel and strategic thinking refers to imagining possible situations, variants to existing conditions, and even possible consequences of a given action. In that case, abstracting is on the other side of the spectrum – a deep focus on the crucial thing only. Let’s elaborate.

Abstracting is crucial for developers, of course, and it’s part of building the mindset needed for this industry. But more precisely, in development, and more specifically in OOP (Object Oriented Programming), it means that the dev works exclusively with the most relevant data and ‘hides’ the rest of the data that’s not crucial at that moment in time.

Abstraction is one segment out of the three aspects of OOP, with the remaining two being ‘encapsulation’ (closely controlled access and hiding specific data) and ‘inheritance’ (transfer of data from ‘parent’ to ‘child’).

But why and how is abstraction an essential problem-solving skill? It’s simple. The dev focuses intensely on the core of the specific task without being distracted by the information they do not need at that moment . This saves time and reduces complexity overall. Perhaps this goes hand in hand with ‘work smart, not (always) hard.’

Of course, in most cases, familiarity or reusing something is practical, simple, or even needed. But, without the curiosity to propel further career advancement, sometimes developers are not motivated enough to apply this notion to practice. This is especially true in computer science and development, where writing clean code or even understanding the underlying structure of application development can make or break a product before launch.

Great devs are curious; they want to delve into deep focus, just as much as they want to explore tools and estimate how useful they’d be for their tasks . This could apply to a different programming language than the one they’ve already mastered, trying out a new technique in the development process, or even experimenting with various frameworks.

Ideally, great devs should know all the ins and outs of the industry – if one framework doesn’t work, they try another; if one programming language is not ideal for the current project, it might be the best solution for another.

Or, to find a solution to a problem with data flow in mind. This means that the excellent ‘problem-solver’ imagines the data flow and the systems in various scenarios. More precisely, envisioning how data works is not the simplest task—there are embeddings, manipulations, changes, and data transformations present in multiple steps of the app development process.

A great dev focuses on the outcome by visualizing the main goal and subgoals. Often, the mindset here includes diagram envisioning and thinking in terms of structures and sets embedded with one another or in some type of hierarchy . In summary, it involves thinking about how data moves through the system.

Devs know that “the devil is in the details”, or that focusing on smaller tasks will lead to resolving the big issue while at the same time focusing on the big picture as well.

For example, correcting bugs in the code is one way to explain this. Devs look for the bug by reviewing and looking over the entire code from start to finish—the problem may be something as tiny as a comma or a dot in the wrong place.

For a great dev to resolve a specific problem, they first need to understand the problem, and they do this by going through the entire code or each previously completed small task, for example. Division in tasks reduces the workload complexity and makes the dev focus more on possible minor issues they encounter along the way .

Last but not least, almost all great devs also engage (and excel) at mind-exercising leisure activities. Activities like chess, playing cards, and strategy board games all come in handy when thinking about the next move and what the other players/opponents might do next. It is no wonder that some great devs are outstanding gamers as well.

Everyone could benefit from adding a bit of challenge to everyday leisure activities, not just great software developers. These game-playing activities take communication skills to a whole new level by being all about focus, discipline, calculations, and logical thinking. What we learn from such activities can be a solution even to an everyday problem, not just the issues arising in the development job.

Interestingly enough, great devs already know how to think tactfully, logically, and with anticipation for what comes next, so they apply this thinking even in the choice of their leisure activities mentioned above.

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How to hire for a fast-growing tech company

Good problem-solving skills combine various skills, experiences, mindset schemes, personality traits, and interests.

Problem-solving skills are an irreplaceable asset to have, both professionally and personally. And truth be told, all great devs have outstanding problem-solving skills. But one thing is certain, for mastering problem-solving, practice makes perfect.

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Practice Problem Solving for Web Development without Code

• May 23, 2019

Web Development

If you are deciding that making a career change into web development is your next move, you have probably researched the soft skills that you will need. Doing a quick Google search on soft skills for programming you will find problem-solving as one of the skills often listed. Let’s make three exercises using everyday tasks that will help you to practice problem-solving without writing code.

Problem-solving is a skill that may remind you of a high school standardized test. If you are hesitant to learn how to problem solve because of that high school memory, please stop. Most of the problems you will face do not resemble a standardized test at all.

Also, you can throw away the fear of not getting the correct answer. A programmer does not write the correct code. A correct answer implies that, like in math, there is only one answer. Because you can solve the same problem in multiple ways, a programmer writes the best code she/he can write.

Problems that you will face in the web development world require imagination and mental mapping because computer processes are abstract. Therefore, the more you practice writing code, the more familiar you get with processes. Also, practice makes code easier to understand so you are ready when the problem arrives.

But you do not need to start writing code to sharpen your problem-solving skills for web development purposes. Because a computer’s job is to follow a set of instructions, problem-solving revolves around understanding steps and following instructions. Keep this methodology in mind once you start to write code and you will see that it will be easier to detect problems and solve them.

The problem-solving without code exercises that we will discuss are:

• Step: DIY (Do it Yourself) furniture and food recipes
• Segment: Order of mathematical operations
• A typical user login

1. Step: DIY (Do it Yourself) furniture and food recipes

Writing, reading, and following instructions for mounting furniture or preparing a food recipe are great examples of stepping through processes to obtain a known result.

These activities require detailed step-by-step instructions so someone else, or yourself can follow them on a future occasion. So if you were the steps writer or reader, understanding the order of the part assembly or food preparation is the essential key in understanding future problems.

Let’s say that a chair I mounted has a squeaky sound, or the mofongo stuffed with chicken that I prepared didn’t taste as expected. If I wanted to understand where the misstep was so it won’t happen again, I would go back to the beginning of the instructions and verify each step.

The same goes for coding. Even if it seems a longer process, stepping through the code when searching for the cause of a bug will help you solve the problem faster.

Once you find that bug, it is up to your combination of creativity and understanding of instructions for the desired results that will help create multiple solutions.

2. Segment: Order of mathematical operations

Let’s do a quick recap of what is the order of mathematical operations. It is a set of rules that decide which method (addition, subtraction, etc.) is performed first when evaluating a math equation. The order goes as:

• Parentheses
• Exponents and roots
• Multiplication and division
• Addition and subtraction

If we have some equation like:

Applying the order of equations would look like this:

Notice how this solving method requires us to restructure the equation (3 * 4) + (2 * 6) . It isolates each segment it into (3 * 4), (2 * 6) and (12 + 12) . It solves each segment between parenthesis and finally, solves the operation between segments.

Not only do programming languages also follow these orders of math operations, but also almost every coding problem can be segmented or isolated into smaller ones.

Every time I remind myself to try and segment even more the problem that I am having while writing code, it seems as if I get to the aha moment quicker.

3. A Typical User Login

So, let’s do what we came here for, step through a web development problem without having to code!

In the article The Programming Pedestal , I described in a high-level way the process of creating a user account.

For the sake of this example, let’s assume that you already know how to create an online account, and now you just want to log in to your account. But oh, oh! You cannot log in but there is no message displaying the error.

By using the step and segment techniques described earlier, let’s figure out what may be the problem and create possible solutions.

What are the usual steps you follow when login into an account?

• Locate the user login section.
• Type username and password.
• Click the Submit button.
• Wait for the webpage to display the account profile.

From those steps, can you segment even more those steps?

You can segment the second step into two more steps:

• Type username.
• Type password.

And also you can segment the third step into:

• Click Submit button.
• Submit button calls a function.
• The function that validates the data.
• The function sends data to the database.

So let’s step again through the login process:

• The function validates data.

Alright! It seems that to step through the process again will take longer, but remember, the more detailed the steps, the easier it will get to find a possible issue.

Now let’s assume that this particular webpage has a username character requirement. And let’s assume that after reading the username character requirement, you remembered that the password you entered was the incorrect one. After correcting the password, the function validates the information and you gain access to your user account.

I know that the example had a lot of assumptions. The point is that when a problem arrives, always verify the steps you performed and try to segment even more of the steps.

Practice this technique with your everyday activities. So, when you start coding, writing programs and debugging will come easier because you trained your mind to step and segment processes .

Thanks for reading .

You can get a new post notification directly to your email by  signing up  at the following  link .

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The following CTRL-Y articles are related somewhat to this post. You may want to check them out!:

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By the way – A playlist for you

This post was written while I was listening to the new Chemical Brothers album No Geography . I have listened to this album so many times since it came out, that I can write out my thoughts while listening to it. If not, I would not be able to ignore the music and I would be doing mental music videos.

What do you think about these techniques? Do you know any other techniques that can help develop problem-solving skills for web development purposes without having to code? Comment below!

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• Web Development

Top 12 Web Developer Skills You Must Have in 2024

Home Blog Web Development Top 12 Web Developer Skills You Must Have in 2024

In recent years, web development has emerged as one of the most in-demand careers. A web developer plans, constructs, and maintains websites. They combine technical and creative abilities to build intuitive and visually appealing online applications. That said, it is essential for developers to acquire knowledge about various areas of the web development environment. If you’re planning to advance your career as a web developer, then enrolling in relevant courses is the way to go.

The UI/UX Bootcamp is an apt example of the essential training curriculum that enables developers to not only add more to their suite of web development skills but learn different ways to approach a web development project .

To become a web developer , one needs a mix of technical and interpersonal skills along with an understanding of market trends. Front-end, back-end, and full-stack development are all parts of the broad field of web development. In this post, we'll talk about the top web development skills employers will be looking for in 2024 and how to remain on top of trends in this industry.

What is Web Development?

The process of building websites and web apps is known as web development. It entails creating the functionality, designing the user interface, and maintaining the website. Clean, effective, and scalable code authoring is the duty of a web developer. They build dynamic websites that can be accessed from any location using programming languages, frameworks, and libraries.

The process of building and maintaining websites and web apps is known as web development. It entails creating the functionality, designing the user interface, and maintaining the website. Web developers build dynamic websites that can be accessed from any location using programming languages, frameworks, and libraries.

At its core, web development has three main components: client-side scripting, server-side scripting, and database technology. Client-side scripting involves creating the user interface and functionality that runs in the web browser, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Server-side scripting involves the creation of the website's functionality and interaction with databases, such as PHP, Python, Ruby on Rails, and Node.js. Database technology involves storing and retrieving data, such as MySQL and MongoDB.

Web development as a field is continuously evolving; therefore, developers need to stay current on technological advancements and market trends. A Web Developer course can help you stay at the top of your game. Depending on their abilities and interests, web developers may specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development.

Top Web Developer Skills in 2024

Developers must stay current with the newest trends and technology because web development is a subject that is continuously changing. The top web developer abilities that will be in demand in 2024 will be covered in this section.

1. HTML or CSS skills

The core components of web development are HTML and CSS. A website's structure is based on HTML, while its styling is managed by CSS. Web developers must be acquainted with HTML and CSS since they are the building blocks for all websites. To design websites, you must be conversant with HTML tags, elements, and properties. Also, you must be well-versed in CSS syntax, selectors, and properties.

2. JavaScript or Python Skills

JavaScript is a scripting language used to build dynamic and interactive websites. Due to its widespread use in online development, a solid understanding of JavaScript is a need for web developers. It enables programmers to make responsive websites and sophisticated online apps.

In contrast, Python is a general-purpose programming language for machine learning, data analysis, and web development. Web development frameworks like Django and Flask frequently use them.

Git is a version control tool that enables programmers to monitor changes made to the code, tracking these engineers to roll back to earlier versions of the code, which is crucial when troubleshooting problems. It is an essential tool for web developers because it enables tracking project collaboration and development process.

4. Back-End Web Programming Languages

Database administration, server-side frameworks, and server-side programming languages are all components of back-end web development. Web developers need to be proficient in back-end programming languages like PHP, Java, Ruby, and.NET. They enable the creation of dynamic websites that may communicate with databases and offer users individualized experiences. A strong understanding of back-end web programming is essential for web developers who want to build scalable, robust web applications. Web developers should stay up to date with the latest back-end technologies and best practices to ensure that their web applications are secure, efficient, and scalable.

5. Responsive Web Design Skills

A method used to construct websites that adjust to various screen sizes is responsive web design. Because responsive web design guarantees that websites are accessible on numerous devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and desktops, it is crucial for web developers to have a solid understanding of it. Media queries and flexible layouts are used in responsive web design to develop websites that adapt to various screen sizes.

6. Testing and Debugging Skills

Testing and debugging count among the top web developer technical skills. They make sure websites are error-free and operate as intended.

Testing involves running several tests on the website to ensure it satisfies the user's needs. On the other side, debugging entails finding and correcting code flaws.

7. Code Versioning Skills

The technique of recording code changes is known as code versioning. Good code versioning abilities are crucial for web developers as they enable them to collaborate on projects and keep track of changes made to the code. Git and SVN are two popular code versioning systems used in web development.

A content management system (CMS) software program is used to manage digital information, including website content. Web developers can use CMS to generate, manage, and publish website content without having to have a deep understanding of technology. As they are so commonly used in online development, familiarity with well-known CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla is crucial for web developers.

9. Analytical Web Developer Skills 

Analytical skills are crucial web developer skills as they allow developers to understand user behavior and make informed decisions. Web developers need to analyze website traffic, user engagement, and user feedback to make data-driven decisions that improve the website's performance. Analytical tools like Google Analytics are widely used in web development.

10. Frameworks and Libraries

Web development frameworks and libraries are pre-written code that can be used to speed up the development process. Frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, and Vue.js are widely used in web development. Familiarity with these frameworks and libraries is essential for web developers as they can save time and effort in the development process.

11. Hosting Skills

Web developers need to understand web hosting well, as it is essential for website performance and security. They need to understand web hosting options like shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting and choose the best option for their website. They must also be familiar with AWS, Google Cloud, and Digital Ocean hosting providers.

12. Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) improves website visibility and ranking on search engine result pages. Web developers need to ensure that the website is built with SEO guidelines in mind. They must understand SEO terms like meta data, schema, indexing and more.

Ways to Improve Web Development Skills

Improving both the web developer soft skills and technical skills requires a commitment to continuous learning and practice. With new technologies emerging every year, you must get the hang of web developer and web designer skills needed to stay on top of market trends. There are several ways to improve these skills, including practicing coding, exploring new concepts, and managing time effectively.

Practicing coding is an essential part of improvement- now whether it is for acing your junior web developer skills development skills or continuing learning as a professional. The more developers code, the more comfortable they become with various programming languages, frameworks, and libraries. Exploring new concepts and technologies can also help developers stay ahead of the curve and learn about the latest trends in web development. Enhancing soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, can help developers work more effectively in teams and communicate better with clients. Effective time management can help developers balance their workload and prioritize tasks more efficiently.

Let’s explore a roundup of skills needed for web developer and ways to hone web developer required skills in more detail and discuss their importance in helping developers build successful careers in web development:

1. Coding Practice

The best way to improve web development skills is through coding practice. This can include building your projects, contributing to open-source projects, and participating in coding challenges and competitions. The more you code, the better you will become.

2. Explore New Concepts

Web development is constantly evolving, and there are always new concepts and technologies to explore. Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and experimenting with new technologies can help you stay ahead of the curve and improve your skills.

3. Enhance Soft Skills

Web development is not just about technical skills – soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving are also essential. Improving these skills can help you work more effectively in teams and build better client relationships.

4. Master Time Management

Effective time management is crucial for web developers, as projects often have tight deadlines. Learning to manage your time effectively, prioritizing tasks, and avoiding distractions can help you be more productive and deliver projects on time.

5. Validate Your Skills with Certifications!

Certifications can validate your web development skills and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Popular web development certifications include Certified Web Developer, Certified Web Designer, and Certified Front-End Developer.

Are you ready to level up your coding skills? Join our Python Interview Preparation Course and become a Python pro in no time! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to boost your career. Enroll now!

Closing Comments

Web development is a constantly evolving field, and staying ahead of the curve requires continuous learning and practice. From website designer skills to other web development skills, it’s ideal for learning and expanding your portfolio. Practicing coding, exploring new concepts, enhancing soft skills, and effective time management are some of the best ways to improve web development skills. Additionally, certifications can help validate your skills and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.

KnowledgeHut’s UI/UX Bootcamp is created to be interactive, engaging, and combine theoretical and practical learning. For web developers wishing to expand their skill sets and grow their careers, this makes it a fantastic platform.

As the demand for web development skills continues to grow, developers need to stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies. By continuously learning and improving their skills, web developers can remain competitive in the job market and build successful careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To become a web developer, you need a combination of technical and soft skills. Technical skills include knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages and familiarity with tools such as Git, CMS platforms, and hosting services. Soft skills include communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and time management.

Many resources are available for learning web development skills, including online courses, tutorials, blogs, and forums. Some popular resources include the knowledgebases of AWS, Google, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft and more.

The time it takes to learn web development skills depends on the individual and how much time they can dedicate to learning. Some people may be able to learn the basics in a few months, while others may take longer.

Web development skills are important because they are in high demand and can lead to rewarding and lucrative careers. Web development skills are also essential for businesses and organizations that want to have an online presence and reach a wider audience.

Basic skills required for a web developer fresher include knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages and familiarity with tools such as Git, CMS platforms, and hosting services. Soft skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and time management are also important. A willingness to learn and a passion for web development are also essential.

Bala Krishna Ragala

Bala Krishna Ragala, Head of Engineering at upGrad, is a seasoned writer and captivating storyteller. With a background in EdTech, E-commerce, and LXP, he excels in building B2C and B2B products at scale. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Bala has held key roles as CTO/Co-Founder at O2Labs and Head of Business (Web Technologies) at Zeolearn LLC. His passion for learning, sharing, and teaching is evident through his extensive training and mentoring endeavors, where he has delivered over 80 online and 50+ onsite trainings. Bala's strengths as a trainer lie in his extensive knowledge of software applications, excellent communication skills, and engaging presentation style.

Avail your free 1:1 mentorship session.

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Upcoming Web Development Batches & Dates

• Product Engineering And Development Simform acts as a strategic software engineering partner to build products designed to cater the unique requirements of each client. From rapid prototyping to iterative development, we help you validate your idea and make it a reality.
• Performance Engineering and Testing Our service portfolio offers a full spectrum of world-class performance engineering services. We employ a dual-shift approach to help you plan capacity proactively for increased ROI and faster delivery.
• Digital Experience Design Work with cross-functional teams of smart designers and product visionaries to create incredible UX and CX experiences. Simform pairs human-centric design thinking methodologies with industry-led tech expertise to transform user journeys and create incredible digital experience designs.
• Application Management and Modernization Simform’s application modernization experts enable IT leaders to create a custom roadmap and help migrate to modern infrastructure using cloud technologies to generate better ROI and reduce cloud expenditure.
• Project Strategy At Simform, we don’t just build digital products, but we also define project strategies to improve your organization’s operations. We use Agile software development with DevOps acceleration, to improve the software delivery process and encourage reliable releases that bring exceptional end-user experience.
• Cloud Native App Development Build, test, deploy, and scale on the cloud
• Cloud Consulting Audit cloud infrastructure, optimize cost and maximize cloud ROI
• Microservice Architecture Remodel your app into independent and scalable microservices
• Kubernetes Consulting Container orchestration made simple
• Cloud Migration Consulting Assess, discover, design, migrate and optimize the cloud workloads
• Cloud Assessment Assess cloud spending, performance, and bottlenecks
• Serverless Seize the power of auto-scaling and reduced operational costs
• Cloud Architecture Design Optimize your architecture to scale effectively
• DevOps Consulting DevOps implementation strategies to accelerate software delivery
• Infrastructure Management and Monitoring Competently setup, configure, monitor and optimize the cloud infrastructure
• Containerization and Orchestration Reliably manage the lifecycle of containers in large and dynamic environments
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• Test Automation Reduce manual testing and focus on improving the turnaround time
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• Performance Testing Identify performance bottlenecks and build a stable product
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• Cloud Migration Scale your infrastructure with AWS cloud migration
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• Serverless and Orchestration Manage complex workflows and ensure optimal resource utilization
• Cloud Management Improve AWS efficiency, automation, and visibility for better cloud operations
• AWS DevOps Consulting Accelerate the development of scalable cloud-native applications
• Advertising and Marketing Technology Transform customer engagement with AWS Advertising expertise
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• AWS Healthcare Services Improve patient care and streamline operations with AWS
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What are the 9 Biggest Web Development Challenges and Solutions to Tackle Them?

Website development can have many challenges, but here are some that you can’t afford to ignore, along with reliable solutions.

Table of Contents

• Top Web Development Challenges & Solutions

1. Browser compatibility

2. user experience, 3. tech stack, 4. clearly defining your goals.

• 5. Performance & speed

6. Scaling websites

7. security, 8. third-party integrations.

• 9. Maintenance & support

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, web development is pivotal in shaping an organization’s online presence and success. However, with the constant evolution of technologies and user expectations, web development teams often face significant challenges that can impede project progress and hinder their ability to deliver high-quality solutions.

As CTOs and project managers, it is crucial to navigate these obstacles efficiently, ensuring the development process remains smooth and seamless. This blog will explore the nine most prominent challenges web development teams face and present practical solutions to tackle them head-on. By understanding these challenges and implementing the suggested strategies, CTOs, and project managers can empower their teams to overcome obstacles and deliver exceptional web applications that meet client and user expectations.

Simform is one of the top web app development companies which can help you build faster, highly responsive, and interactive web applications. So, if you are looking to get that competitive edge in a market full of web app A-listers, get in touch with us!

Top Web Development Challenges & Solutions

Browser and platform compatibility are typically one of the biggest web application development issues. Therefore, you need to make sure the sites work on all the existing browsers on the internet and devices of different screen sizes.

These specific tasks becomes crucial due to legacy browsers that do not support modern features, security measures, and layouts. One of the most famous examples of legacy browsers being a nightmare dynamic programming related to web development is Internet Explorer. Due to its poor performance, Microsoft discontinued its services after June 15th, 2022.

Why is IE a nightmare?

It does not support modern Javascript standards

It is not compatible with several modern CSS properties

It has a lower speed in comparison to other browsers.

As a result, you need to make extra efforts to enable your website to work on such browsers which is no less than a challenge. Prioritize maintaining website compatibility across different browsers, especially when you have to deal with legacy browsers like IE or others. Apart from the inherent problems of legacy browsers, you will also have to deal with some common issues like,

Doctype error: A doctype code is one of the basic codes checked by legacy browsers before rendering. If the code is absent, these browsers do not render the website and lead to poor performance.

HTML/CSS validation: Different browsers read the HTML/CSS code differently, which can pose t he biggest challenges for front-end developers.

Layout difference: Different browsers support different design layouts. As a result, websites render distinctly as per the layout compatibility with the browsers and cause UX inconsistency.

The potential solutions to the above errors are as follows,

Handling doctype error: Add !DOCTYPE html

Validating HTML/CSS: Reset stylesheet to help website switch to basic browser style.

Countering layout differences: Use floats, CSS grids, and Flexbox

Ensuring cross-browser compatibility needs proper testing, and testing your website across different browsers can be truly overwhelming for your teams.

So, here are some tips that you can try,

Refrain from testing your website on different browsers simultaneously. Instead, Switching between browsers every two or three days will help achieve accurate results.

Avoid a browser-specific native coding perspective  as they can lead to serious cross-browser compatibility issues.

These tips can surely optimize your website’s browser compatibility, but if the user interface(UI) is not optimized, it can still result in bad UX. Users that visit your website interact with the interface and that is why a  well-designed and attractive user interface becomes a critical element.

A great user experience is the bedrock of a successful website. Designing UI and developing UX both need to go hand in hand if you want to create innovative experiences for your users. However, there should be an alignment between the designing process and the intended outcome to build a reliable website UX as both require different skills.

Not to mention, synchronizing the responsive web design and frontend development becomes even more challenging if you have separate teams. One of web development companies’ most critical front-end challenges is the lack of context on what a user may expect from a website’s UX design.

While many firms employ user research to understand user expectations, it requires extensive resources that may not be feasible for every organization to obtain.

Apart from the requirement of frontend development, developing a responsive design involves maintaining UI compatibility for different screen sizes according to the device and browser.

From mobile devices to tablets and even smart TVs, each browser has a different screen size, which poses a massive challenge for many developers’ knowledge to adjust the UI respectively.

According to Statista , mobile devices account for attracting 54.8% of the worldwide website traffic in the first quarter of 2021. For such a massive scale, ensuring feature responsiveness and seamless website navigation across mobile devices can be a headache for web development teams.

Another significant challenge is to create a user-centric design that can provide a quality user experience.

For example, when Airbnb built a User-Centric Design (UCD), it disrupted residential areas in cities like Berlin. This user-centric design enabled the hosts to obtain more details on how their guests would prefer to rent their property to be in a particular look or feel. As a result, it eventually became an attractive USP for Airbnb.

However, this led to the imposition of strict norms like Zweckentfremdungsverbot. Under this rule, a ban on Airbnb operations penalizes a landlord for renting an entire flat with fines up to €100,000. The reason for imposing such strict guidelines was due to property shortages for local residents that were monopolized by higher Airbnb listings.

The bottom line here is that you must build a user-centric design that is profit-driven but also considers different aspects of the location-specific issues. So, you need to consider all the internal or external factors that impact a user while designing the interface.

To address the User-Centric Design issues, you need proper research of a basic aspect. These are the user’s location, market demand, existing pain points of customers, etc.

However, it’s not enough. The amount of analysis and brainstorming necessary for a user-centric design can be massive. Fortunately, there are many approaches that you can take to make research for user-centric design less intensive and accurate.

Online surveys: These are ideal to understand user requirements through a series of questionnaires filled online.

Guerilla research: This web development strategy is excellent teams that need fast validations of the ideas with in-person surveys.

Parallel design: Allow teams to develop alternative designs that can be compared and decide which one is the best.

Using the data from such research, you can design user-centric websites and enhance customer journeys by identifying pain points. It helps you develop a detailed understanding of different touchpoints in your interface where users interact and accordingly optimize them for enhanced UX.

For example, Twitter Bootstrap is an open-source, CSS-based frontend framework that helps create mobile-first websites. The best part of Bootstrap is that it includes responsive design templates, grids, etc.

Similarly, you can use other frameworks like Angular and React for component-based UI development . While Angular offers material design components to overcome web design challenges, React has a wide range of ready-to-use components for your UI.

When it comes to designing an optimized and user-centric design, there are many web development frameworks that you can leverage. However, some of these frameworks may not be platform-specific, which is why it is crucial to make the right choice for excellent UI design.

Check out 15 Javascript frameworks for web app development

To create a simple web application, you need a tech stack – a set of programming tools and languages. Choosing the appropriate tech stack is crucial for the application’s performance, scalability, and maintainability. However, with ever changing landscapes of languages, frameworks, and libraries, it can be challenging to make the right decision.

Many aspects, including project requirements, team capabilities, community support, and potential for future expansion, must be taken into account when selecting a right tech stack. Considerations such as development time, scalability, and maintainability should be made while selecting a technology that best suits the project’s requirements.

For instance, it’s crucial to choose a technology that can effectively manage massive data sets when developing a data-intensive application.

Staying competitive requires keeping up with recent developments and trends. Technical stuff that were popular a few years ago may have been replaced by newer ones that offer better performance, scalability, and possible security measures.

Thus, it is advisable to conduct extensive research before choosing a tech stack for your web development project.

Start by researching the latest developments in technology. This can assist you in discovering new technologies that can boost the speed and global security of your application.

Next, take into account the project requirements and team capabilities. Ensure that the technology you select is compatible with the requirements of the project and the team’s experience.

Take advantage of community support by networking with other developers, attending conferences, and joining online communities. Last but not least, make sure the complex tech stack you select is maintainable and updatable in the future.

You can always hire an expert web development company to take care of choosing the tech stack. This ensures that the chosen tech stack is the right fit for your project.

The success of any web development project depends on setting specific, attainable business goals. A comprehensive plan outlining the project scope, timeline, budget, and deliverables helps set realistic expectations, allocate resources, and ensure timely delivery. Stakeholder participation and effective communication play an essential for achieving a successful outcome. Well defined and specific goals help prevent misunderstandings, disagreements, and delays during the course of a project.

Having clear goals enables one to easily identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used to gauge the project’s success. These KPIs can monitor progress, spot bottlenecks, and support wise decision-making. Moreover, clearly stated purposes make it easier to pinpoint the target audience’s needs and expectations, thereby enhancing the modern user experience.

Having a thorough strategy that details project scope, timeframe, budget, and deliverables is essential for overcoming project difficulties. Ensure that all the parties involved are aware of the project goals and expectations, and communicate effectively with relevant stakeholders. Establish clear communication channels and schedule regular meetings to discuss overall development, bottlenecks, and potential obstacles.

To track progress, manage resources, and ensure timely delivery, consider using project management software such as Asana, Trello, or Jira.

5. Performance & speed

Achieving maximum loading speed for a website is a crucial challenge for any web development company. According to Neil Patel, 47% of the users expect a website to load in two seconds, which is not an easy feat considering the many elements that render with every click.

So, you need to check different website performance parameters to ensure faster loading speeds and responsiveness. There are different tools that you can use to measure website performance, including,

• Google’s Web.Dev

One of the most popular tools to check website performance is the Web. Dev by Google, based on Lighthouse. Google has defined some of the critical metrics, also known as the core web vitals, that helps in measuring website performance.

These are the core web vitals defined by Google,

Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): It measures the loading speed of the website’s primary content, which should be less than 2.5 seconds. So, according to Google, your website’s main content needs to load in 2.5 seconds for optimal user experience. Slow loading time, i.e. more than 2.5 seconds can affect your website’s user experience.

First Input Delay (FID) measures the website’s interactivity through the delay period between user input and representation, which should not exceed ten milliseconds. In other words, the time delay between the user’s input and the presentation of data on the screen needs to be less than ten milliseconds.

Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): This is a performance parameter for websites that measures the visual stability through the layout shift delay, which should not exceed 0.1 seconds. A higher CLS can lead to accidental clicks, resulting in users having a bad web experience.

Even an accidental click on the “buy now” button on an eCommerce website, which results in checking out a product you did not plan on buying.

First Content Paint(FCP) measures the delay between when the page starts loading and when the content is displayed. FCP can be measured by the loading speed, which are,

• Good: <= 1.8s
• Needs improvement: > 1.8s <= 3s
• Poor: > 3s

For example, we ran an audit for a URL on the Web. Dev tool. The report showcases some performance indicators like FCP, time to interactive, speed index, LCP, CLS, and more. For example, the time to interact is 13.3 seconds. Similarly, CLS and LCP are not at par with the accepted web standards.

Apart from the performance, Web. Dev tool measures accessibility via the image aspect ratio and HTTPS usage. It also checks for SEO best practices like browser errors and if the website has a mobile-friendly interface.

World Wide Web Consortium (WC3) established the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to detail what accessibility looks like in practice. Accessibility is measured through different interface elements. Here, the heading elements are not in a sequence, which means the semantic structure of the page is compromised.

Faster loading pages and higher responsiveness can improve your conversion rates. However, ensuring better performance and speed is so many different variables at play.

Ensuring website performance is not easy without optimizing different elements like content, navigational buttons, interface layers, etc. Here are some expert tips to maximize your website’s performance.

Code optimization: Cut down the size through fewer declarations and operators. Next, you can keep the CSS code lightweight and load it inside the <head> with JS(Javascript) as the body. This allows immediate loading of content after it is downloaded from the user’s browser.

Image optimization: Keep the image size optimized for faster loading of web pages. If quality is essential, you can use JPEG or WEBP formats. You can also employ image optimization tools on WordPress like,

• ShortPixel Image Optimizer
• Optimus WordPress
• Image Optimizer

Plugins: Try and minimize the use of plugins for features like gravatar, profile tools, website stats, and font tools as more plugins cause performance degradation.

Developing high-performance websites and achieving faster loading times can be advantageous for search engine rankings. It facilitates higher visibility and better traffic for your website. Though high traffic leads to the need for scaling which also may serve to be a key challenge.

Scaling websites is about sustainable performance, whether it’s 10 users per minute or 100 visitors per minute. However, the scalability of a website is not just about scaling a development server but about several other elements. One such element is the existing architecture of the website, which can make scaling tedious for development teams.

According to Paul King  a data scientist who has worked with giants like Facebook, Quora, and Uber, every web app runs into four major problems while scaling such as,

• Search problem: Describes the difficulty of finding the information a user needs amidst a large pool of data.
• Concurrency problem: Difficulty in serving the same data to multiple users simultaneously
• Consistency problem: Difficulty updating data and representing the information in real-time to users
• Speed problem: Difficulty that a website faces in handling more user requests per transaction.

Building a scalable website depends on the architecture, both for the frontend and backend. Scalability of the backend is related to the ability of your web servers to handle multiple requests simultaneously to reduce speed and concurrency problems.

For instance, for one of our clients, Simform engineers hosted the entire CMS(Content Management System) on the cloud platform. Content management systems store content in a specific database to enable auto-scaling and deal with search problems by creating advanced functions.

Additionally, we built a component-driven architecture using React to improve frontend scalability. Also, decoupling of frontend and CMS through a headless architecture enabled the separation of functionalities, which reduced any existing consistency problems.

Check out a guide on multi-Site management with headless CMS

Website security is essential, especially when 50% of web applications are susceptible to high-risk vulnerabilities. Additionally, cyberattacks have increased drastically over the past few years, with only 5% of enterprise data folders protected against threats.

Securing your website is exhausting with several vulnerabilities to counter. For example, passing on unfiltered data to an SQL server, browser, or even an LDAP server can lead to injection flaws. It allows an attacker to induce command functions that corrupt the browser leading to data loss.

Another website vulnerability comes from broken authentications. Especially session hijacking due to authentication issues can lead to data risks and identity theft.

Besides, there is an entire list of security flaws mentioned by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). This list includes,

• Broken Access Control
• Cryptographic failures
• Insecure design
• Security misconfiguration
• Vulnerable and outdated components
• Identification and authentication failure
• Software and data integrity failures
• Security logging and monitoring failures
• Server-side request forgery

Filtering input data can be complicated, but you can employ an advanced algorithm that filters malicious inputs. The best way to deal with a broken authentication system is to use a framework that offers such security features. Also, use a secure web host and not generic web host without server-side firewalls.

For example, Django offers pre-built authentication features for web development and is known to facilitate the development of the website with protection against cross-site request forgery and SQL injections.

If you are developing an eCommerce website, you can consider using AES (256 bits and up) and RSA (2048 bits and up) standards to encrypt users’ financial data. In addition, some payment gateway APIs also offer extra protection for users’ data transmissions.

Third-party integrations for websites are not restricted only to payment gateways. There are many other functionalities that you can add to your website through integrations.

For example, a simple function of accessing maps from your website needs integration of Google Maps API. From social media to features like multi-language support, third-party integrations offer a wide range of capabilities.

The challenge is to integrate them securely with customizations according to your website. In the case of outdated APIs, they immediately become a threat serving as a loophole to unforeseen issues.

Furthermore, there are technology differences between the third-party service providers and your website architecture. These differences can be bridged with customized APIs. However, this may not be easy, especially if your website follows a monolithic architecture.

The best solution to address API issues is to ensure that your website architecture is in sync with the changes made by third-party service providers. You can have QA teams collaborate with service providers to obtain complete information on the required changes in the architecture or the API code.

Also, you need to make sure that the changes in the API code reflect within the website architecture for uninterrupted performance. Here, maintenance of a well-writen code and regular upgrades can be beneficial to the performance level and reduce the cost of development.

9. Maintenance & support

Maintenance of a website is like “Behind The Scenes(BTS)” of your website. Once you make your website live, major challenges begins. Several issues like unresponsive web pages, security issues, low loading speeds, and performance problems occur after the launch.

Upgrading the website at the core or updating the legacy APIs for security can be trouble. In addition to that, ensuring zero downtime is difficult during the maintenance of the website.

During this process, different dependencies among functions can lead to downtime. This is especially prevalent in websites with monolithic architecture where services and functions are tightly coupled.

When it comes to common challenges related to maintenance, monitoring becomes essential. You need to monitor the vitals of your website constantly to ensure immediate fix of any issue that arise. Furthermore, you need to have a web architecture with minimal dependencies for higher uptime during the upgrade process.

One way to minimize the dependency of functions on your website is to use the microservices architecture . It is a suite of independent services that can be upgraded individually without disturbing the existing system. So, there is no disruption in website functionality during the evolution process.

Some of the key benefits of a microservices architecture are,

• Loosely coupled services that can be maintained and upgraded individually
• Individual services with their own data models make data management efficient
• Lower downtime, latency, and higher website performance
• Higher autonomy for web development teams due to independent services
• Scaling the website becomes easier with individual services as you can add resources for peak traffic.

Web development is a broad industry, and it is not restricted only to websites but encompasses the development of complex web applications and other web services as well. Similarly, web development challenges are also not limited to scalability, security, UX designs, performance, speed, integrations, and maintenance. Modern businesses have specific requirements that lead to various challenges related to technical and non-technical aspects.

Creating reliable and creative solutions for such numerous challenges requires extensive experience in web development. If you are looking for intelligent and robust solutions to your web development challenges, Simform can help you with a dedicated team of developer s. Do not compromise the quality of your web project due to multiple challenges when you can have the right solution in your hand. Get in touch with us today!

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Hardik Shah

Working from last 10+ years into consumer and enterprise mobility, Hardik leads large scale mobility programs covering platforms, solutions, governance, standardization and best practices.

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Solving A Real World Business Problem using Web Dev

I decided to write about a real world problem solving experience using web development and programming skills in my day job. This project is one of my favorite because I was able to identify a business problem, propose an idea, and implement a solution all on my own over the course of a few short months. Working as the solo developer allows me great flexibility, but also requires a lot of time invested in a project such as this one. Continue reading to learn about my process and approach.

This is not a complete representation of the code that it took to solve the problem, any code shown has been modified to redact or remove any potential sensitive information.

In my day job, I work with attorneys at a small legal firm as the sole IT Manager / Developer / System Administrator. The software we use allows me to create custom web apps that interface with our software and database to solve problems. When other attorneys file documentation with our office, our staff reads that documentation and creates a summary narrative of all the content on that documentation and enters that as text content into our software.

Problems Identified

There are several problems with this approach that are causing problems throughout the organization. These documents being filed are crucial to the administration of the case and the summary document is referenced many times over the lifespan of the case which is 3-5 years for most cases.

Our staff spends several hours a week reading the documentation and creating summary narratives.

Consistency

With multiple staff members reading these documents, they had had their own flavor of creating the narrative. Each staff member had a unique way of writing, formatting, and styling their summary which created a variety of different styles that our two attorneys had to decipher each week.

Tracking Changes

The other attorneys may submit the same form, with subtle or major changes to the document between the last version and this version. Some cases have 6 or more versions of the same document filed over the lifetime of the case. Our staff must compare, line by line, the previous and current document and manually highlight the changes.

Human Error

Since the staff are reading, interpreting and writing their own version of the form, this introduced a lot of human error, resulting in the attorneys just reading the document themselves instead of the narrative.

Project Idea

While observing this business process, I came up with the idea of a web form that the staff could fill in the important details that change on these forms, and have the narrative completed automatically. Our primary case management software is a local web based application allowing full HTML, CSS, and JavaScript pages to run that can also connect into the SQL database where the data was stored which made a web based approach perfect.

Project Proposal

I met with the owner and proposed my web form idea on the basis:

I can create a streamlined approach that all staff will use for each form submitted, that will provide us the following benefits.

• Faster Summary Narratives
• Consistent Entries
• Streamlined Formatting
• More Accurate
• Automatic change tracking

The business owner agreed to commission this project immediately. This project will take approximately 3 months and will be my main focus outside of daily job duties and IT priority issues that come up along the way.

Project Stakeholder Buy-In

The most important part of any major business project that will affect all staff is to get buy-in from the stakeholders. This ensures the greatest project success and is achieved by making the stakeholders feel that this project is going to benefit them and allow them to shape the final result of this project.

To accomplish buy-in, I held meetings with each staff member to understand how they created the narratives, what information on the form is important, the types of data that will be submitted, and expectations for the generated narrative.

Each staff member had a list of items that were important to them, based on how they were taught to do these narratives. I reviewed all my notes and found consistent items were the data being entered and the types of data. I used this to hold a series of compromise meetings to determine what would work best for the company and establish a baseline rule for the content, the format, style of the notes, and layout of the web form.

The staff feeling at this point is a little bit nervous because of the pending change to their workflow, but also excited about the idea of saving time and freeing up their time to be better spent elsewhere.

Project Steps

To start this project, I created a simple mock-up of the design that will be used for the various types of content. Some sections had check boxes, others had select drop downs, and others had tables of content being filled out. I used a blank copy of the form that attorney's fill out to give me an idea of the base line content that I needed to plan.

My code base allows for HTML, CSS, JS, jQuery, SQL and Bootstrap by default, and this project doesn't require anything more than these technologies to accomplish this project.

There are 20 sections to this document that hold various data from the plan number, to the options and tables of data contained within. I sorted my HTML code into 20 separate sections and started coding these sections one at a time. These sections are critical to the design and are a basis of tracking changes later in the project.

This layout gave me an idea for what type of content that I would be storing in the database. I designed and created a database table for storing all of the content and how it would relate to other tables in the system for consistency with how the other tables are stored.

After having the initial layout requirements and database ready it was time to start coding the layout. I started with HTML and setting up all of the content for each section of the form. There are 20 sections and each one holds a different set of content. I used Expanding and Collapsing sections to allow the staff to expand only the sections that required filling out and avoid overloading the screen with too many input fields. I also used jQuery to limit the table rows of each table section to just display 1 row by default, and expand up to 10 rows as needed for each section.

I tested sending data to the database and ensure we had information flowing as far as text box content ending up in the temporary table and permanent storage tables.

Saving Data (temporary)

To save the data as the user fills out the form I created an OnChange event handler that would write content to a temporary database based on the ID of the input field. This way, if the user experienced any issues or needed to close and re-open then all content will be saved until submitted.

Submitting Data to Database

At the conclusion of completing all of the appropriate fields, the user then clicks Update which executes a SQL script on the server. This script takes all of the data from the temporary database, checks through every section for content, formats data as needed into Dates, Money, VarChar, and other data types, and pushes into my custom table in the database.

The narrative text is stored in another table of the database. I wrote a second script that runs at the conclusion of the previous script to gather all of the database records from the data just entered, and then pushes an update to the narrative text table. This data had to be formatted different based on how it will be displayed in the software. The software is able to render pure HTML content for displaying narrative text to this user which allows me to customize how I present the data and create a standard format for all narrative notes. Using HTML combined with SQL, I pushed a full HTML body section to the narrative table that includes tables, checkboxes, and calculations, and other values to be rendered. This ta6ble stores it as a varchar(max) but when ready by the software it's converted into HTML so all of my HTML tags work.

Example of mixing HTML with SQL Query to generate a table, using inline styling because that's the only option that works when this is rendered in the software.

This was by far the most difficult part of the entire project, but also the most rewarding to actually solve. The concept here is that when a new version of the form is filed with our office, we need to know what changed from the document, and bring attention to these changes so when the attorney reads the updated forum note, they know exactly what changed in the form without having to read the whole note. My idea for this was to use the HTML <mark> tag which adds a highlight, default Yellow, to all fields that changed.

Using SQL I needed to be able to look at the last form filed by form number, and the new form filed by form number, and compare the two sets of table data and see what changed. I also needed to know which sections had been changed, or if a section that previously didn't have content, now has content. To accomplish this, The data had to go through a series to checks to determine what changes happened if this was an amended form.

The result of this code is that all modified data from the form is properly tracked and highlighted when it's rendered for display for the users. A full comparison is performed on every character of every box so all the user has to do is fill out the form, update any changed fields, and let the system do the rest of the work for them.

Summary Section

On the web form that I created, I also created a Summary Section, using JavaScript and JQuery, to build a live rendered view of what the narrative text would look like when it submitted. This allowed the staff to do a quick check and determine if they missed anything when completing the form before the information was submitted and saved to the database. The yellow highlights here are similar to what will appear in the narrative text section of the software once completed. This section live updates as fields are modified in the web form.

The End Result

This project was a success! The proposed project came together great and was rell received by the staff that use it every single day to fill out these forms when our office receives them.

Project Conclusion

This project went through several revisions and updates from first draft to production, and 5 major updates were derived along the journey, and over 5,000 lines of code were written to achieve the result.

The business and staff now benefit from the increased efficiency, improved accuracy, and consistent summary narratives. The attorney's are happy that now all notes going forward will be consistent and uniform, along with tracked changes to make amended forms clear on any changes made.

Tracking of changes is the single most important benefit of this entire project. Comparing two versions of a form, line by line, is very time consuming and often leads to missed changes. This new method ensures that all changes to the form are caught each and every time, and attention is drawn immediately to all changes to eliminate any guess work.

Overall, everyone benefited from this project and now over 75,000 lines have been written to the custom table full of content from this web app being used in less than 1 year. The staff have said this cut their daily work on filling out and comparing plans down from 20-30 minutes each document to 5 minutes or less for each document. If we look at this as 4-10 forms per day this is hours worth of saved time!

The best part about being a developer is being able to create a custom solution to a problem that isn't possible using something off the shelf. There is not a product that existed that we could have purchased that would have worked directly in our software, with our database, and achieved the same result as this custom development project has for the business.

Cover Photo Credit: Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash

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Want To Learn Web Development? Build Web Development Projects!

In this article, we share the 11 best web development projects in 2024 with source code.

Whether you’re trying to become a web developer or improve your current portfolio, we’ve included web development projects for beginners and experienced devs.

In 2024, web development is a broad field, so we’ve included some of the best web development projects for various tech stacks, including HTML/CSS/JS, ASP.NET, Django, MEAN, MERN, and more.

Plus, when you consider that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of over $85,000 for web developers , building web development projects can be highly rewarding for your career.

If you’re looking to pick up valuable web development skills, one of the best approaches is project-based learning by building web development projects. So, if you’re ready, fire up your favorite web development IDE , and let’s check out the best web development projects .

• Why Build Web Development Projects?

Web development is a constantly evolving field, and staying ahead of the curve can be challenging.

Project-based learning is one of the best ways to keep learning engaging. You can even overlap your web development project with a web development course . 

By looking for and building real-world web development project ideas, you can develop new skills, gain experience, and create a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers.

Let’s take a look at the primary benefits of building web development projects.

• Project-based learning: You're not just learning theory; you're applying knowledge in a practical context to develop a deeper understanding.
• Build your portfolio: You can demonstrate your versatility and adaptability.
• Career opportunities: Building your skills and creating a portfolio of work will put you in a better position to land your dream job.
• Problem-solving: Web development projects are inherently challenging, and building them will enhance your problem-solving skills.
• Creative expression: You can use your imagination and creativity to build projects that are unique and visually appealing.

If you’re a web dev beginner, a pro tip for you is that it’s really important to work on multiple web development projects. This is ideal for gaining experience with different technologies, languages, and web development frameworks .

This can also help you develop a broad set of skills to apply in various contexts, whether e-commerce, social media, education, healthcare, finance, and more.

• Best Web Development Project Ideas for Beginners

1. Landing Page - HTML & CSS

Download source code

This is a tried and tested idea for beginner web development projects that you can use to develop your understanding of layout and design and how to use different HTML and CSS elements to build the page's structure.

This HTML project includes elements like headings, paragraphs, images, and forms.

You'll also get to use your knowledge of responsive design to ensure your landing page displays correctly across different devices and screen sizes.

Overall, if you want to become a web developer , this is a great project to get hands-on experience with HTML and CSS, allowing you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting and solidify your understanding of web development concepts. 

This project also gives you the opportunity to try different hosting resources. You could try Amazon for cloud hosting on a site built for high-volume traffic, for example, or stick with a free hosting platform for a smaller project.

Prerequisites:

• Basic understanding of web development concepts
• Familiarity with HTML tags and CSS selectors
• Knowledge of responsive design techniques

Stack Required:

2. Personal Portfolio Website - HTML, CSS, & JavaScript

This beginner-level project will help you develop your skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as you'll design and code a personal portfolio website.

This JavaScript project will also require you to create a responsive design that not only works flawlessly across different devices but also optimizes it for fast loading and SEO.

By tackling this project, you'll gain hands-on experience using HTML to structure the content, CSS to style it, and JavaScript to add interactivity. Making this ideal for building real-world websites that can help jumpstart your web development career.

Our research also uncovered several types of web-building software with discounts at AppSumo. These resources often take the coding out of the process though, so use them only once you’re comfortable with your skills.

• Knowledge of layout and typography design
• Understanding of JavaScript functions and event handling

3. To-do List App - Ruby on Rails

This project is an excellent way to enhance your web development skills with Ruby on Rails, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as you’ll be creating a functional web application that enables users to create, manage, and track their to-do lists. It’s also one of the best web development projects for students to stretch their current skill set.

Now, for newcomers to Rails, it might seem daunting to try out, but if you're coming over from another language, you could always use an AI coding assistant to help out during the building process. This is a great way to learn a new language on the fly.

Expect to be implementing CRUD functionalities, RESTful routing, and database queries in Ruby on Rails, as well as working with HTML forms, CSS styling, and JavaScript functions, and event handling.

Throughout this project, you’ll also utilize your technical skills in creating Ruby scripts and implementing an MVC architecture, alongside gaining experience in front-end development by creating responsive and visually appealing interfaces with HTML and CSS. 

By completing this project, you'll have the opportunity to hone your web development skills and gain practical experience in building a full-stack web application.

And remember, don't be put off by a tech stack that seems unfamiliar, as you can always use something like GitHub Copilot to help out!

• Familiarity with HTML forms and CSS styling
• Knowledge of JavaScript functions and event handling
• Knowledge of Ruby on Rails
• Understanding of database relationships and migrations
• Ruby on Rails

4. Cinema Website - ASP.NET

This project is a great opportunity for beginners to strengthen their skills by working on a real-world web application with ASP.NET and Bootstrap, which are two powerhouses in the field of web development. 

This project is a great way to challenge yourself, as you’ll need a basic grasp of web development concepts, familiarity with HTML and CSS, and of course, knowledge of C#, object-oriented programming (OOP), and the .NET framework. It also helps to have an understanding of JavaScript functions and event handling.

By the end of this project, you will have built a fully-functional cinema web app that includes ticket booking functions, movie information display, and user authentication. All of which are great analogs to real-world applications and the skills you’ll need as a web developer.

• Knowledge of C# programming and object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts
• Knowledge of ASP.NET

5. URL Shortener - PHP

This beginner-friendly web development project will help you develop your skills in PHP, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML as you build a web application that shortens URLs and tracks the number of clicks on each shortened link. You can even run this open-source project on your own server, providing full control over data and statistics.

By working on this PHP project , you'll gain practical experience in web development alongside database management as you’ll need to implement SQL data storage and retrieval. Overall, this project is an excellent opportunity to apply common technologies to build a real-world web application that would look great in your portfolio.

• Knowledge of PHP programming and object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts
• Understanding of database systems and SQL
• Intermediate Web Development Projects

6. Job Board - Laravel

This intermediate-level web development project is great for improving your skills in CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and the Laravel PHP framework. By building a job board web application, you’ll allow employers to post job listings and job seekers to search and apply for jobs. 

If you're still new to PHP, you might want to check out a PHP course to bolster your skills for building this project.

On the other hand, if you have PHP knowledge, you’ll get to experiment with commonly used web application features like user authentication, data search and filtering, job application tracking, and email notifications.

This is also a great way to improve your understanding of database management and SQL. 

By the end of this project, you’ll have gained practical exposure to web development with Laravel and various front-end technologies.

• Strong understanding of web development concepts
• Proficiency in HTML and CSS, including responsive design and CSS grid/flexbox
• Familiarity with JavaScript, including DOM manipulation and AJAX
• Experience with PHP and the Laravel framework
• Understanding of SQL and database systems
• Laravel PHP framework

7. Quiz App - MEAN Stack

This MEAN stack app is an intermediate-level project that’s excellent for improving your full-stack development skills by integrating M ongoDB, E xpress, A ngular, and N odeJS.

Expect to challenge yourself with this project, as you’ll be creating a RESTful API for a quiz application with some of the most popular JavaScript libraries .

Yep, you will need to build the front end using Angular, combining TypeScript, HTML, and CSS to develop a dynamic web app for users to take quizzes and view their results. 

You’ll also need to work with NoSQL and integrate each of the MEAN stack components to create a seamless full-stack application. By the end of this project, you’ll have solid experience using these technologies to create a fully functional application.

• Experience with the MEAN stack
• NodeJS installed on your machine
• MongoDB installed and running on the default port (27017)
• Express, Mongoose, Body Parser, and CORS packages installed
• Angular 4 and Angular CLI installed
• [MEAN Stack]
• MongoDB 
• Express 
• Angular 

8. Weather Forecasting App - JavaScript

This intermediate project is a great way to level up your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript skills to create a fully functional weather app that allows users to search for weather conditions and forecast information in any location around the world.

To do this, you’ll be integrating with a weather API like OpenWeatherMap and then polling this service to fetch and display data within your app. API integration is a foundational skill for web dev pros, making this project a great way for you to hone these skills. 

You can also get to grips with Bootstrap to style a responsive app front-end that looks great on any device. 

• Good understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Familiarity with NPM and Webpack
• Basic knowledge of API integration
• Familiarity with Bootstrap is a plus, but not required.
• A weather API such as OpenWeatherMap
• Advanced Web Development Projects

9. Content Management System - Django

If you’ve ever thought about building your own version of WordPress, this advanced web development project creates a fully functional Content Management System (CMS) for managing website content via Django, Python, JavaScript, HTML, SCSS, and Shell scripting. 

This is a great way to gain experience building a web app that allows web admins to create, edit, and publish content in a structured manner. You’ll also include support for hierarchical pages, multi-language and multi-site capabilities, draft/publish workflows, version control, and a customizable navigation system.

If you're a little rusty with Django or still learning to use it, I'd definitely recommend having a Django book on hand to tackle any challenges you might encounter.

If you’re already familiar with Python, this is an excellent way to branch out into web development, as you’ll use Django to create the content management logic. You’ll also need to use JavaScript for the frontend interactivity, HTML/CSS for the overall structure and styling, and Shell scripting for any automation. 

Our experience shows that you’ll need a foundation in Python to succeed with this project. For novices, we recommend enrollment in Python with Dr. Johns for an introduction to the fundamentals of the language.

• Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Proficiency in Python programming language
• Familiarity with the Django web framework
• Knowledge of Shell scripting
• Understanding of version control systems such as Git
• Familiarity with database concepts and design
• Basic knowledge of web development principles and architecture.

10. Slack Clone - TypeScript & Next.js

This Slack clone project is an exciting way for more experienced web developers to get to grips with building a real-time messaging app with a modern web stack.

Expect to test your TypeScript skills, use Next.js for server-side rendering and SEO, implement Firebase for real-time database and authentication, create and style components with Material UI, manage app state with MobX, and use Git with Shell commands to manage version control and deployment.

As you’d expect with the real Slack app, you’ll need to implement user authentication and authorization to ensure secure communication between users. You’ll also add the ability to create and manage channels.

If you're making the leap from JS to TypeScript, you might want to consider taking a TypeScript course to fill any knowledge gaps.

When it comes to UX, you’ll include infinity scrolling to provide users with a seamless way to view messages, and you’ll also optimize the app for search engines using SEO best practices.

By the end of this project, you’ll have an excellent understanding of what goes into creating something like Slack, along with a portfolio-worthy project. Win-win!

• Proficient in JavaScript
• Familiarity with React.js and CSS
• Understanding of TypeScript syntax
• Knowledge of Git and Shell commands
• Material UI

11. Facebook Clone - MERN Stack

This Facebook clone project is a great way to learn the ins and outs of building a social media platform like truly global Facebook. What’s more, you’ll be doing this with the MERN (MongoDB, Express, React, Node) stack, which is one of the most prevalent in modern web development.

As an advanced web development project, you’ll also be able to enhance your skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as gain hands-on experience with MongoDB for NoSQL and implementing authentication and authorization with Node.js and Express.js.

By the end of this React project , you'll have experience working with third-party UI libraries like Chakra UI, you’ll know how to develop real-time search functionality for user profiles using debounce, and you’ll know how to handle sign-up and login validations.

If you’re interested in full-stack web development, this is a great project to level up your skills while also adding something solid to your portfolio.

If you're unsure whether you're ready to tackle this project, consider taking a React course to level up your skills, then return and take it on!

• A solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Experience with building web applications using the MERN stack.
• Familiarity with Chakra UI or similar UI libraries.
• Understanding of database design and usage with MongoDB.
• Experience with authentication and authorization using Node.js and Express.js.
• [MERN Stack]
• What Is A Web Development Project?

At their core, web development projects encompass a diverse range of tasks aimed at creating and maintaining dynamic websites or web applications.

Ranging from simple web pages to sophisticated digital platforms, web development projects blend coding, design, and strategic planning.

They also provide a unique opportunity for developers to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, honing their skills across various technologies and frameworks.

Web development projects also serve as a canvas for innovation, problem-solving, and showcasing your talent.

By diving into the projects we've included in this article – from HTML/CSS/JS basics to advanced MEAN and MERN stack applications – you can gain hands-on experience and build a portfolio that showcases your versatility and expertise.

Whether building a responsive portfolio website, developing a feature-rich e-commerce platform, or crafting a social media clone, have fun, and use these projects to master the intricacies of web design and programming.

• What Projects Do Web Developers Work On?

Web developers can work on a wide array of projects, each demanding a unique set of skills and creativity.

Typically, web developers take on varied workloads, from constructing straightforward websites to developing complex, interactive web applications.

Web developers are also often tasked with creating responsive user interfaces, integrating backend databases, and implementing interactive features that enhance user experience.

And as you've seen in this article, web development projects can range from personal blogs and small business websites to large-scale e-commerce platforms and social networking sites.

Depending on your current skill level and preferred tech stack, some popular web development projects that you might get to work on include developing web applications with real-time data processing, creating APIs, and crafting solutions for specific industries like healthcare, education, or finance.

Remember this: whether the project is a simple content management system or an intricate enterprise application, it offers a platform for you to showcase your technical acumen, problem-solving skills, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

This diversity not only challenges you as a web developer to stay on top of the latest technologies, but it also provides the opportunity for creative expression and innovation in solving real-world problems through digital solutions.

• Wrapping Up

There you go, the 11 best web development projects in 2024, including a range of web development projects for beginners and experienced devs alike. 

We’ve even included web development projects for a range of popular tech stacks, including HTML/CSS/JS, ASP.NET, Django, MEAN, MERN, and more. 

Whether you’re just beginning your career in web development or you want to level up your portfolio, each of the web development projects on our list is ideal for learning web development while also demonstrating your skills to future employers. 

Whichever web development project you choose to tackle, have fun, and best of luck with your career in web development!

Looking for a web development course to take while building web development projects? Check out:

Dr. Angela Yu's Web Development Bootcamp on Udemy

• Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are 3 Types of Web Development?

Web development can be categorized into three main types: front-end development, which involves creating the user interface of a website or web application; back-end development, which involves creating the server-side components of a website or web application; and full-stack development, which encompasses both front-end and back-end development. 

2. How Do I Find Web Developer Projects?

There are several ways for web developers to find projects, depending on your experience level and goals. One common approach is to create a portfolio website or online presence to showcase your skills and attract potential clients or employers. You can also search for web developer jobs or freelance projects on job boards, social media, or online marketplaces. 

3. How Much Does a Web Developer Charge Per Project?

The cost of a web development project can vary widely depending on factors such as the project's complexity, the scope of work involved, and the developer's experience level. However, with an average annual salary of more than $85K , you can use this as a starting point to reverse-engineer a project rate, depending on the time you think it will take you.

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• The 8 Best Web Design Courses Online in 2024: Top 8 [Free + Paid] Courses Web Development Web Design
• Top 20 Full Stack Developer Interview Questions and Answers [2024] App Development Web Development Career Development Interview Questions
• What is Web Development? The Ultimate Guide Web Development

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How To Debug Django: Practical Steps For Efficient Problem Solving

Facing bugs in Django can be daunting, but with the right techniques, debugging becomes a breeze. This article sheds light on practical methods and tools to help you tackle issues head-on, ensuring smoother development experiences and more robust applications.

Debugging is a crucial skill for every programmer, and when working with Django, it becomes especially important. This article offers practical insights and techniques to help you identify and fix issues effectively. With a focus on real-world scenarios, we aim to enhance your problem-solving skills in the Django framework.

💡 How To Debug Django

• Efficient Django debugging relies on tools like the debugger, error messages, and logs for issue resolution.
• Emphasizing error handling strategies and debugging highlights the importance of structured approaches in maintaining web app robustness.
• Django's Debug Toolbar simplifies debugging by providing insights into performance metrics like database queries and template rendering.
• This guide simplifies Django debugging with insights into tools, strategies, and the Debug Toolbar for effective troubleshooting and a seamless web app experience.

Setting Up The Debugging Environment

Identifying common django errors, using django debugging tools, debugging django templates, debugging django models, debugging django views, debugging django forms, logging and monitoring in django, optimizing query performance, frequently asked questions.

Setting up the debugging environment is a foundational step in addressing Django-related issues. Debugging environment and Django settings are pivotal in this process. Before diving into debugging, ensure your environment is correctly configured to facilitate the identification and resolution of bugs.

Configuring Django Settings

Installing debug toolbar, middleware configuration, internal ips setting.

Start by adjusting the DEBUG setting in your Django project’s settings file. This setting controls whether your application is in debugging mode. When DEBUG is set to True, Django will display detailed error pages when something goes wrong.

Another useful tool is the Django Debug Toolbar . It provides insights into the performance and configuration of your Django application. To install it, use the following command:

Once installed, add the Debug Toolbar’s middleware to the MIDDLEWARE setting in your settings file. Ensure it’s at the top of the list to capture all requests and responses.

Lastly, set INTERNAL_IPS in your settings file to include the IP address of your development machine. This step is necessary for the Debug Toolbar to be displayed.

Identifying common Django errors is a key skill that can save developers a lot of time and frustration. Error messages and tracebacks are your guides in this journey, pointing you towards the source of the problem.

Django’s Error Messages

Understanding tracebacks, common error types, debugging 404 errors.

Django provides informative error messages to help you understand what’s gone wrong. For instance, a FieldError indicates that a model field name is incorrect.

Tracebacks are another valuable tool. They provide a stack trace of your code, showing the path the interpreter took leading up to the error. Analyzing tracebacks helps in locating the erroneous part of your code.

Some of the common Django error types you might encounter include:

• ImproperlyConfigured : This error occurs when Django detects a problem with your project’s configuration.
• ValidationError : Django raises this error when an object doesn’t meet the validation requirements.
• DoesNotExist : This error is raised by the ORM when a requested object can’t be found.

404 errors are common and occur when the requested URL doesn’t match any of your URL patterns. Django’s DEBUG mode provides a helpful error page to debug this issue, showing which URL patterns were tried and why they didn’t match.

Utilizing Django debugging tools effectively is essential for diagnosing and resolving issues in your application. Django Debug Toolbar and logging are two powerful tools that can significantly aid in this process.

Django Debug Toolbar

Template panel.

The Django Debug Toolbar is a configurable set of panels displaying various debug information about the current request/response. It assists in understanding SQL queries, template usage, cache utilization, and more.

One of the most useful panels is the SQL Panel , which displays all SQL queries executed during the processing of the request. It helps in identifying redundant queries and optimizing database access.

The Template Panel is another valuable resource, showing all templates that were used and the context data that was passed to them. This panel is particularly helpful for debugging template rendering issues.

In addition to the Debug Toolbar, Django’s built-in logging framework is a versatile tool for recording debug information, errors, and warnings. Configuring logging appropriately is crucial for effective debugging.

Debugging Django templates can be challenging due to their unique syntax and behavior. However, with a strategic approach and the right tools, you can efficiently identify and resolve template issues. Template errors and context data are crucial aspects to focus on.

Identifying Template Errors

Examining context data, using the debug toolbar, template filters and tags.

Django provides error messages specifically for templates, making it easier to pinpoint issues. For instance, if you use an undefined variable, Django will raise a TemplateDoesNotExist error.

Examining the context data passed to a template is essential for debugging. You can print the context data directly in the template to inspect the available variables.

The Django Debug Toolbar offers a Template Panel that displays all templates used during the rendering of a page, along with their context data. This feature is invaluable for debugging template issues.

Understanding the behavior of template filters and tags is vital. If they are not used correctly, they can lead to unexpected results. Testing each filter and tag individually can help isolate the problem.

Debugging Django models is a fundamental aspect of ensuring the integrity and functionality of your applications. Model fields and methods are central elements that require careful attention during the debugging process.

Inspecting Model Fields

Debugging model methods, using django shell, examining database queries.

Incorrectly configured model fields can lead to various issues. It’s essential to verify the field types , options , and constraints to ensure they align with your data requirements.

Model methods can contain logic errors or misuse of the Django ORM. Debugging these methods involves checking the querysets and operations performed on the model instances.

The Django shell is a powerful tool for interacting with your models. You can use it to create, retrieve, update, and delete model instances, allowing you to test and debug model behavior interactively.

Examining the SQL queries generated by the Django ORM can provide insights into model-related issues. The Django Debug Toolbar’s SQL Panel is particularly helpful for this purpose.

Debugging Django views is a critical step in ensuring that your application responds appropriately to user requests. View functions and class-based views are the main components that need thorough examination during debugging.

Analyzing View Functions

Debugging class-based views, utilizing logging, testing with client.

View functions handle HTTP requests and return HTTP responses. Debugging involves checking the logic , input validation , and context data within these functions.

Class-based views offer a structured way to handle HTTP requests. Debugging them involves examining the methods and attributes of the view class.

Logging is an invaluable tool for debugging views. By adding log statements in your views, you can capture information about the execution flow and data being processed.

Django’s test Client allows you to simulate HTTP requests in your tests, making it a valuable tool for debugging views. You can use it to test the response status, content, and context data.

Debugging Django forms is essential for ensuring user data is correctly validated and processed. Form fields , validation methods , and error messages are key areas to focus on during the debugging process.

Examining Form Fields

Debugging validation methods, reviewing error messages, testing form submission.

Form fields are the building blocks of Django forms. Ensuring that each field has the correct field type , validators , and options is crucial for form functionality.

Custom validation methods in forms should be thoroughly debugged. These methods are responsible for enforcing custom validation rules and raising validation errors.

Understanding and reviewing the error messages generated by form validation is essential. These messages guide the user in providing valid input and need to be clear and accurate.

Simulating and testing form submission in different scenarios help identify issues in form processing. Django’s test Client can be used to simulate POST requests with form data.

Logging and monitoring are indispensable practices in Django development, aiding in tracking application behavior, identifying issues, and optimizing performance. Logging configuration and third-party monitoring tools are essential components in this process.

Configuring Django Logging

Implementing logging in code, utilizing monitoring tools, analyzing log data.

Django comes with a built-in logging framework. Configuring logging settings in your settings.py file allows you to specify log levels, handlers, and formats.

Once configured, you can implement logging throughout your code using loggers . Loggers allow you to capture messages at different severity levels.

In addition to logging, integrating third-party monitoring tools like Sentry can provide real-time error tracking and performance insights.

Regularly analyzing your log data can help identify patterns, detect anomalies, and optimize application performance. Tools like ELK Stack can assist in aggregating and visualizing log data.

Optimizing query performance is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and speed of a Django application. Database indexing , query optimization , and caching are fundamental techniques to achieve this.

Leveraging Database Indexing

Utilizing select related, applying prefetch related, implementing caching, analyzing query performance.

Database indexing significantly speeds up data retrieval. Ensure that fields used in filtering and ordering are properly indexed.

The select_related method is used for single-valued relationships , reducing the number of queries by performing a SQL join and including related object data in the original query.

For multi-valued relationships , prefetch_related performs separate lookups for each relationship and does the “joining” in Python, reducing the overall number of queries.

Caching is a powerful technique to store and serve previously computed results, thereby reducing database hits and improving performance.

Regularly analyzing and optimizing your queries using Django’s database API and tools like Django Debug Toolbar can provide insights and improvements.

What Are the Best Practices for Debugging Django Applications?

Utilize Django’s built-in debugging tools, leverage logging and monitoring, optimize query performance, and familiarize yourself with common Django errors. Regularly analyze log data and use third-party tools like Django Debug Toolbar for additional insights.

How Can I Optimize the Performance of Database Queries in Django?

Leverage database indexing for frequently queried fields, utilize select_related and prefetch_related for relationship fields, implement caching strategies, and regularly analyze and optimize your queries using Django’s database API and additional tools.

Are There Any Third-Party Tools Recommended for Debugging Django?

Yes, tools like Django Debug Toolbar, Sentry, and ELK Stack are highly recommended for debugging, monitoring, and log analysis in Django applications.

How Can I Identify and Handle Common Errors in Django?

Familiarize yourself with Django’s error reporting and exception handling. Utilize logging to capture error messages and stack traces. Regularly review error logs and address common issues like template errors, model errors, and form validation errors.

What Is the Role of Caching in Django, and How Can It Be Implemented?

Caching stores and serves previously computed results, reducing database hits and improving performance. Django provides a caching framework that allows you to cache data using various backends, such as memory, file system, or databases.

Let’s test your knowledge!

In Django, which method can be used to optimize the performance of database queries by reducing the number of SQL queries for single-valued relationships?

Continue learning with these django guides.

• How To Update Django: Steps For A Successful Upgrade
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• How To Reset Django Admin Password
• How To Start Django Server: Straightforward Steps For Quick Setup
• How To Install Django Step By Step

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UPDATED 12:24 EDT / APRIL 03 2024

The AI-developer intersection: Enhancing efficiency and empowering engineers

by Victor Dabrinze

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and apply human-like critical thinking and problem-solving traits, a major question lingers in the tech space: Will AI replace the traditional developer role?

The likely long-term answer is no, it won’t. However, the technology is set to play a pivotal role in augmenting certain aspects of software development, further boosting productivity and accuracy.

“Twenty years ago there were a million software engineers   in this country; n ow there are four and a half million engineers — s till a small percentage of the workforce,” said  Eli Schleifer (pictured, right), founder and chief executive officer of Trunk Technologies Inc.  “ The things that software engineers do,   we always have to remember, is not write code.   Software engineers build products; t hey build things that other people care about.  T he part of writing the algorithm   is not the hardest part of what engineers do.”

Schleifer and  Massi Genta (left), founder and chief executive officer of Metabob,  spoke with theCUBE guest analyst  Howie Xu at the “Supercloud 6: AI Innovators” event , during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed AI’s transformative potential for developer assistance tools.

AI and developer tools

Coding constitutes only a fraction of software development alongside other tasks, such as product development, code reliability checks and scalability operations. Metabob leverages AI to optimize the code review process, predicting areas prone to bugs and providing recommendations for improvement. Importantly, generative AI is also useful to enhance explainability and automate code improvements, according to Genta.

“We look at the code but also things outside the code … w e look at [things] like code changes,” he said.  “O ur main technique  helps us to predict where problem will occur   in specific area of code. And then   we use that context to feed into generative AI,   so to LLMs that we develop   to then create explanations and recommendations   on how to resolve the issues we detect.”

Similarly, Trunk’s approach seeks to streamline developer workflow by implementing automated code quality tools, robust continuous integration systems and solutions to tackle flaky tests, according to Schleifer. In doing so, valuable time can be freed up for engineers, enabling them to focus on solving complex problems and building impactful products.

“The AI angle here in this flaky test   is [looking at] the problems   that are coming out of these test reports.   Can I generalize them?   Can I summarize them into something easier to consume   as an engineer?” Schleifer asked.  “ [Companies are] building highly integrated systems.   When you’re doing that,   your tests — because they’re talking to other systems —   are going to be flaky and y our CI pipeline [will] be subject   to that kind of invariability.”

Looking ahead, the future is undoubtedly one where AI continues to enhance developer productivity and efficiency. AI tools will be proliferated to cater to various software development lifecycle stages, skill levels and product/industry use cases. However, the role of human input in refining AI models and providing context-specific insights will remain indispensable, as both guests agree.

“I think when it comes to software developers,  I don’t see it any near future   where they won’t be needed,” Genta said. “S omething that humans always want to do   is to improve something, s o there’s always going to be maintenance.”

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE Research’s coverage of the “Supercloud 6: AI Innovators” event : 

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A Blueprint for Meeting Society’s Impact Challenge

• Organizations, policymakers, and communities expect business schools to produce graduates who can help design feasible solutions to complex societal challenges.
• To become capable problem-solvers, students must be put to work solving personally relevant real-world issues in collaboration with key stakeholders in the community.
• With this in mind, Suffolk University has developed a pedagogical framework for delivering immersive hands-on learning that shows students the impact of their contributions and inspires them to make the world a better place.

  Society faces ever-increasing existential challenges that demand resilience, innovation, flexibility, and creativity. Rooted in incredible social complexity and global interdependencies, these “wicked problems” are substantial, pervasive, and difficult to solve.

Our graduates will be expected to have the skills necessary to help organizations deliver critical solutions. That means that quality business education must be both experiential and dedicated to making the world a better place. At the same time, however, we have seen an ongoing disconnect between business school curricula and the real-world need for student engagement, student employability, and community impact.

In 2023, we addressed this disconnect by creating and implementing the IMMERSE Blueprint at the Sawyer Business School (SBS) at Suffolk University in Boston. In this framework, IMMERSE stands for learning experiences that are integrative, multisensory, motivational, emotional, relevant, synergistic, and experiential . Guided by this framework, we design our courses to allow students to conduct collaborative research, engage in design thinking, delve into public policy, and tap into other capabilities so that they can define and synthesize the goals, interests, and concerns of multiple stakeholders.

The IMMERSE Blueprint is supported by our school’s curricula that leverages the capabilities of nonprofit, social, public, and private sectors. As we expose students to the realities of all four sectors, we teach them to apply mindful problem-solving strategies to complex challenges. Over the long term, we want the conributions of our graduates to mitigate the negative consequences that society now faces. 

Expanding on Experiential Education 

Immersive education expands on traditional experiential pedagogy first explored in a  1975 paper  by David Kolb and Ronald Fry. Since then, educators have developed strategies that extend beyond Kolb and Fry’s theory, deploying learner-centric modalities that capture students’ attention, stimulate their senses, and foster their active participation in meaningful problem-solving.  

As we expose students to the realities of the nonprofit, social, public, and private sectors, we teach them to apply mindful problem-solving strategies to complex challenges .

Quality immersions connect students emotionally to real-world experiences through the contextualization of issues and personal reflections on their learning and contributions. Effective experiential education also supports active and participatory learning through immersive media, including  simulations ,  augmented reality , and  virtual reality . Since immersive learning is such a versatile approach, learners can quickly acquire new skills at any stage of technological or social innovation. 

The Building Blocks of Immersive Education 

The IMMERSE Blueprint synthesizes best practices and research related to innovative pedagogy, faculty and student engagement, and partnerships. It provides a systematic and cohesive framework for implementing immersion-based pedagogy for all graduate and undergraduate SBS students.  

The acronym IMMERSE integrates the seven critical characteristics mentioned above, with a goal attached to each, into a common framework:

We now use this framework as a guide to help us design and deliver impactful pedagogies via all types of learning modalities. Our faculty also use these characteristics to evaluate how immersive their teaching strategies are.

This blueprint challenges professors to reframe their teaching styles—to evolve from merely sharing information to creating opportunities for students to deeply experience content. Although not every class will incorporate every element of IMMERSE, our faculty’s ultimate teaching goal is to expose students to as many of the framework’s characteristics as possible throughout their journeys at SBS.

Supporting the Blueprint

We engage in a range of activities to support educators as they incorporate IMMERSE into their teaching. For example:

• We deliver extensive faculty information and training sessions on topics such as “How to Debrief Immersive Learning.”
• We award IMMERSE-dedicated teaching grants.
• We support a growing cross-disciplinary faculty learning community.
• We publish a newsletter sharing best practices.
• We track implementation and best practices through surveys and other tools.

SBS also continues to build additional infrastructure needed to support IMMERSE throughout our curriculum. This effort includes:

• The planned formation of a representative SBS working group.
• The continued development of enhanced immersive courses—including the recent reframing of our foundational undergraduate course from a simple review of business topics to a dynamic, integrated, case-based, and client-focused challenge.
• Expanded data collection that tracks IMMERSE-related pedagogy implementation, student competency-based learning outcomes, relevant assurance of learning (AoL) policies, and feedback from clients that supply projects to our students.

For instance, we are tracking the relevant learning outcomes of our MBA students, who currently form teams to work on six to 10 real client projects throughout their programs. Based on the data we have collected so far, we have concluded that 97.5 percent of our MBA students meet or exceed AoL expectations for analytic thinking related to IMMERSE criteria.

Examples of Teaching Strategies

In the fall of 2023, we delivered the inaugural version of “Tackling Wicked Global Problems,” our new signature required course for all SBS undergraduates. In the semesterlong course, sophomores take on a single wicked problem project involving multiple external clients and stakeholders. They evaluate the issues and associated challenges, before developing creative solutions. Students will apply the skills they build during this course in their subsequent classes.

The course uses  systems thinking  as a theoretical lens and supplements this framing with a variety of pedagogical approaches and group activities. In this way, the course helps students gain a fuller perspective on the nature of wicked challenges, enhances their appreciation of the stakeholder interests involved in these challenges, and inspires them to iterate plausible solutions. 

“Tackling Wicked Global Problems” follows our framework in the following ways:

After the course’s first run, student feedback was both positive and insightful. One student described the coursework as “a big adjustment to try and tackle a wicked problem and be part of a solution.” Another pointed to the “perspective change [that occurs] when you realize that there isn’t a perfect solution, and there are tradeoffs.”

We found the feedback of another student especially heartening in light of what we want to accomplish through the IMMERSE approach. The student wrote that the new offering was the “best course I have taken to show business is exciting and can solve societal problems.”

Understanding Industry Clusters

SBS has multiple graduate programs in business, analytics, healthcare, and public administration that incorporate immersive learning across their curricula. These include course-based consulting work, capstone classes, simulation-based activities, global travel seminars, and other hands-on learning opportunities.

As we continue to refine the principles embedded in this framework, we know that we can close the relevancy gap between business curricula and the world’s need for real-life impact.

For example, all first-year MBA students enroll in “Understanding World Class Clusters” (WCC), where they learn about economic clusters. During each WCC course, students form teams that analyze challenges facing one of Boston’s four main clusters, which center on the industries of healthcare, biotechnology, technology, and finance. 

Student teams receive individual coaching from professors and sponsoring organizations, as they conduct research, deliver recommendations, and coordinate intermediate results with their sponsors. In WCC, our teaching framework is deployed in the following way:

The Value of Immersive Learning Principles

The IMMERSE Blueprint addresses concerns that employers, students, the community, and other societal stakeholders have about whether higher education is truly creating a pipeline of talent capable of tackling tough questions. As we continue to refine the principles embedded in this framework, we know that we can close the relevancy gap between business curricula and the world’s need for real-life impact.

When we deliver hands-on, meaningful immersive education throughout the curriculum, we enhance our students’ analytical and critical competencies, all while equipping them with the life skills and resilience they will need to achieve their personal goals. Most important, we show them firsthand how much positive impact they can have if they apply their newfound skills to society’s complex existential challenges. 

• collaboration
• design thinking
• experiential learning
• learner engagement
• societal impact

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Supporting next-generation educational programs that combine the metaverse experience with a problem-solving mindset

Multidisciplinary professional services organization

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カーボンニュートラル社会の実現 エネルギービジネスの変革に向けたカウントダウン（pdf）, creating social value - ey is fulfilling its corporate responsibilities through ey ripples, in which it leverages the professional knowledge of its people across various fields to carry out pro bono activities that benefit society., ey japan is playing its part by operating a next-generation educational program utilizing the latest technologies..

• Controlling a self-made avatar within the metaverse provides children with an opportunity to think about how to communicate with others.
• Using design thinking to find the best solutions to a problem.
• Showing how a pro bono project for EY Ripples leverages how EY does business to create a positive impact in society.

Experiencing the metaverse and creating avatars using VR headsets and tablets

The workshop enabled children to create and control their own avatars and to think about different ways to communicate with others.

This next-generation educational program is being carried out in conjunction with Education A³ of Fukuoka City (Representative Director: Yuichi Kusaba ) which is a Certified NPO Corporation. Education A³ is working to eliminate disparities within children’s education, particularly in the Fukuoka area, by operating alternative schools for children who are unable to attend mainstream education. The program aims to help these children nurture problem-solving abilities and ways of thinking that differ from what they would learn in mainstream classes.

It has four sessions and caters to students across a variety of age ranges, from the third grade of elementary school to high school. The first session was held at EY Digital Hub Fukuoka, facility established by EY to lead Japan’s digital transformation. Members of EY Strategy and Consulting’s Technology Consulting team provided a communication experience using the metaverse and virtual reality (VR).

The children were each provided with tablets to enter a virtual recreation of Fukuoka City’s Torikai Hachimangu shrine. They explored the shrine and its grounds using an avatar (a virtual character of themselves) which they created and took part in an information-gathering activity. They also used VR headsets to be more immersed in the virtual world, where they worked on clearing missions.

EY Japan also supported the building of the metaverse version of Torikai Hachimangu shrine that was used in the program. For c.1800 years, the shrine has been a center of faith and communication within the region so we gave thought to how to optimize the shrine in a way that would be relevant to the modern world.

EY Japan is also proposing and developing projects which unite cutting-edge technologies, including the metaverse, with our support for companies and organizations that are exploring new initiatives or are interested in merging real and digital environments. Building a metaverse version of Torikai Hachimangu shrine is just one example of our work.

The team from EY Japan used the same approach to create the metaverse experience for children as they do when giving a client demonstration in their everyday roles. Firstly, it was important that the children had a visceral experience of the metaverse by using a VR headset. Today, children are often referred to as digital natives and can quickly familiarize themselves with how to operate technology, with younger children tending to master it the fastest. One of the children at the session commented: “When I entered the metaverse, it was surprising at the start. But then it was fun, and I thought that modern technology is amazing.”

A particular highlight for the children was the time spent creating their own avatars. They were completely free to choose items such as their avatar’s face, hairstyle and clothing, making the avatar an aspirational model, rather than an accurate likeness of each child. Operating an avatar within the metaverse provided children who are unable to attend school with an opportunity to think about how to communicate with others.

Experiencing the opportunities for work and play in the metaverse helps to give children hope for the future. I also think that in an era of rapid change children can learn an important skill through early exposure to design thinking: they learn how to develop their own solution to a given problem. Yuichi Kusaba, Representative Director, Education A³

Working toward design thinking that gets to the heart of problem solving

The design thinking workshop was a valuable learning opportunity, not only for the children but also for the EY team. We were able to adjust the workshop content based on the children’s level of engagement, and establish our fundamental approach to design thinking.

The second and subsequent sessions were held as online workshops about design thinking. Team members from EY wavespace™, an innovation support hub that facilitates collaboration between various stakeholders, provided opportunities to learn how to think in a way that gets to the heart of a problem and, in turn, to its solution.

Design thinking is a method of applying the thought patterns used by designers in business situations: finding the fundamental solution to an issue can be a source of innovation. Design includes elements of planning and conceptualization and design thinking is included in programs at major US universities as a method for innovative thinking.

The EY team acted as facilitators and led discussions on issues familiar to children. They helped organize the many ideas suggested by the children to solve the problem and encouraged them to continue their discussions. The children in each group then presented their proposed solution.

This was the children’s first experience of design thinking. The second and subsequent sessions focused on junior high school students, who exchanged opinions using an online conferencing system and an online whiteboard tool to post and develop ideas. Many of the children appeared to initially find this difficult so the team responded by adjusting the difficulty of the program. When the children gained a better understanding of the scenario, they were able to contribute and get more involved.

One of the participants commented, “This was the first time do this. I don’t usually get opportunities to think so deeply about a topic, so it was really fun.” Building a basic approach to design thinking with content easily understood by junior high school students also proved a learning experience for the EY Japan team.

As adults tend to view things through existing frameworks, it was striking how the children could come up with novel ideas that were free of bias.

The children discussed creating new snacks suitable for field trips, generating far more innovative ideas than adults would.

A success that aligns with EY’s Purpose and how we do business

We want to combine new technologies like the metaverse with design thinking to enable children to find their own solutions to a problem.” This was the thinking behind the program and it was a project that also resonates with EY’s global shared purpose of Building a better working world. Innovation is generated through the intersection of many different approaches so, as well as being a pro bono project for the EY Ripples program, this was also an initiative that leveraged how EY does business to impact society. In this way, the program was a great success.

Yosuke Amano , EY wavespace™ Tokyo Leader

EY wavespace™

EY wavespace™   brings together business, design and technology, enabling companies to accelerate transformation, drive innovation and create measurable outcomes. With human-centered design and collaboration at our core methodologies, we support our clients reimagine what’s possible and reframe their thinking to solve problems together.

EY is fulfilling its corporate responsibilities through EY Ripples, and EY Japan is playing its part by operating a next-generation educational program utilizing the latest technologies.

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AT&T says a data breach leaked millions of customers’ information online. Were you affected?

FILE - The sign in front of an AT&T retail store is seen in Miami, July 18, 2019. The theft of sensitive information belonging to millions of AT&T’s current and former customers has been recently discovered online, the telecommunications giant said Saturday, March 30, 2024. In an announcement addressing the data breach, AT&T said that a dataset found on the dark web contains information including some Social Security numbers and passcodes for about 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former account holders. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — The theft of sensitive information belonging to millions of AT&T’s current and former customers has been recently discovered online, the telecommunications giant said this weekend.

In a Saturday announcement addressing the data breach, AT&T said that a dataset found on the “dark web” contains information including some Social Security numbers and passcodes for about 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former account holders.

Whether the data “originated from AT&T or one of its vendors” is still unknown, the Dallas-based company noted — adding that it had launched an investigation into the incident. AT&T has also begun notifying customers whose personal information was compromised.

Here’s what you need to know.

WHAT INFORMATION WAS COMPROMISED IN THIS BREACH?

Although varying by each customer and account, AT&T says that information involved in this breach included Social Security numbers and passcodes — which, unlike passwords, are numerical PINS that are typically four digits long.

Full names, email addresses, mailing address, phone numbers, dates of birth and AT&T account numbers may have also been compromised. The impacted data is from 2019 or earlier and does not appear to include financial information or call history, the company said.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?

Consumers impacted by this breach should be receiving an email or letter directly from AT&T about the incident. The email notices began going out on Saturday, an AT&T spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press.

WHAT ACTION HAS AT&T TAKEN?

Beyond these notifications, AT&T said that it had already reset the passcodes of current users. The company added that it would pay for credit monitoring services where applicable.

AT&T also said that it “launched a robust investigation” with internal and external cybersecurity experts to investigate the situation further.

HAS AT&T SEEN DATA BREACHES LIKE THIS BEFORE?

AT&T has seen several data breaches that range in size and impact over the years .

While the company says the data in this latest breach surfaced on a hacking forum nearly two weeks ago, it closely resembles a similar breach that surfaced in 2021 but which AT&T never acknowledged, cybersecurity researcher Troy Hunt told the AP Saturday.

“If they assess this and they made the wrong call on it, and we’ve had a course of years pass without them being able to notify impacted customers,” then it’s likely the company will soon face class action lawsuits, said Hunt, founder of an Australia-based website that warns people when their personal information has been exposed.

A spokesperson for AT&T declined to comment further when asked about these similarities Sunday.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF GOING FORWARD?

Avoiding data breaches entirely can be tricky in our ever-digitized world, but consumers can take some steps to help protect themselves going forward.

The basics include creating hard-to-guess passwords and using multifactor authentication when possible. If you receive a notice about a breach, it’s good idea to change your password and monitor account activity for any suspicious transactions. You’ll also want to visit a company’s official website for reliable contact information — as scammers sometimes try to take advantage of news like data breaches to gain your trust through look-alike phishing emails or phone calls.

In addition, the Federal Trade Commission notes that nationwide credit bureaus — such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — offer free credit freezes and fraud alerts that consumers can set up to help protect themselves from identity theft and other malicious activity.

AP Reporter Matt O’Brien contributed to this report from Providence, Rhode Island.

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America’s affordable housing crisis.

The housing crisis is likely to be solved in cities and states, not Washington.

By Conor Dougherty

President Biden worries about high housing costs. So do Republicans in Congress. The consensus reflects a major problem: Tens of millions of families, across red and blue states, struggle with rent and home prices. The reason is a longstanding housing shortage.

But action in Washington won’t make a huge difference. America’s affordable housing crisis is likely to be solved in cities and states. In today’s newsletter, I’ll explain how many are already doing so in bipartisan fashion.

Local laboratories

Home prices are up about 60 percent over the past decade, adjusted for inflation. About a quarter of renters — some 12 million households — spend more than half their income on housing, far in excess of the one-third level that is considered healthy. Homeless camps have expanded, and “ super commuters ” — who drive for 90 minutes or longer to work — have migrated well beyond the expensive coasts to smaller cities like Spokane , Wash., and fast-growing metropolitan areas like Dallas and Phoenix.

Generally, Republican-led states have been more affordable than Democratic-led ones. They tend to have fewer construction and environmental rules, which allows the housing supply to expand faster. But as rent and home prices climb beyond middle-income budgets in more places, states are racing to add housing.

The legislation in each state varies. But in general it removes permitting and design barriers so new construction can be approved faster. States are also trying to alter zoning rules to allow a greater diversity of units in more neighborhoods.

One way is to allow more backyard homes — known as granny flats. That way, homeowners can build a space for a renter or family member. Another is to shrink lot sizes so several smaller cottages can be built on parcels currently reserved for only one larger home. Cities and states are also altering zoning rules so duplexes and triplexes can be built in neighborhoods that are currently designated for single-family homes. All these methods aim to increase density within a city’s existing footprint.

Already, Democrats and Republicans in Montana and Arizona have united for housing legislation. A similar coalition has taken shape in other states, including Texas, Minnesota and North Carolina . Even in California and Oregon, whose governments are both dominated by Democrats, Republican votes have helped pass housing bills.

“Some issues become a horseshoe,” said Cody Vasut, a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives who wants to drastically restrict abortion — but also liberalize land use laws. “We have different views of government, but sometimes we arrive at the same conclusion.”

These coalitions are not always successful. Last week, for instance, the Arizona governor, Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, vetoed a bill that would have allowed smaller homes and lot sizes. She called it “a step too far.”

Most of these laws are too new for us to know their ultimate outcomes. But there’s ample evidence that building more housing reduces prices. In Austin, Texas, for instance, a surge in rent and home prices during the pandemic led to a boom in construction. Now prices are falling, and landlords offer months of free rent to fill empty units.

New coalitions

Why can political parties cooperate on this issue but so little else? Housing politics are hyperlocal and don’t hew to neat ideological lines. Neither party has a hard position that members feel beholden too.

One thing most people agree on is that America has too few homes. According to Freddie Mac, the mortgage finance giant, the nation is short about four million units . The deficit is particularly acute in both low-cost rentals and the entry-level starter homes favored by first-time buyers.

Economists say much of the blame falls on local governments. City councils hold most of the power over where and what types of housing get built, but they are beholden to homeowners who often pack meetings to complain that new developments would destroy nature and snarl traffic.

This is called NIMBYism, short for “Not in my backyard.” The remedy, in both red and blue states, has been to pass laws that strip cities’ power to say no.

State legislatures are close enough to voters to share their concerns about rising housing costs — but far enough that they don’t have to answer for every new local development. They are the Goldilocks level of government for housing reform.

Related: I want to hear from readers about their housing situations. You can submit stories here .

THE LATEST NEWS

Baltimore bridge collapse.

The cargo ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore lost power shortly before the crash, officials said. See how the bridge collapsed .

After the ship put out a distress call, workers stopped cars from driving across the bridge. “These people are heroes,” Maryland’s governor, Wes Moore, said.

The Coast Guard is searching for the bodies of six of the eight construction workers who were on the bridge. Two were found alive; the others are presumed dead, an official said.

Biden said that the collision appeared to have been an accident and that he wanted the federal government to rebuild the bridge.

Several automakers said that they would reroute their shipments.

Supreme Court

Most of the Supreme Court justices sounded inclined to reject a bid to restrict nationwide access to an abortion pill , mifepristone, during arguments.

Several justices seemed skeptical that the plaintiffs, doctors who don’t prescribe abortion pills, had a right to challenge the F.D.A.’s approval of the drug. Read more takeaways .

The female justices had candid exchanges about women’s health, The Washington Post reports.

2024 Election

The Biden campaign joined TikTok to try to reach younger voters. The videos have prompted jokes and criticism.

Barack Obama regularly calls top Biden aides to strategize about Biden’s re-election campaign .

More on Politics

NBC News cut ties with Ronna McDaniel , the former Republican Party chairwoman, after hosts criticized the network for hiring her as a commentator. A Times review found that she had helped Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election .

Trump’s social media company surged on its first day of trading on the Nasdaq, adding billions to his wealth .

The judge overseeing Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial imposed a gag order prohibiting Trump from attacking witnesses or prosecutors.

Trump posted a video urging his supporters to buy the “God Bless the USA Bible,” priced at around $60. Trump gets royalties from sales .

A new law in Florida will prohibit children under 14 from having social media accounts, The A.P. reports. It is set to take effect next year.

Israel-Hamas War

An Israeli hostage said she had been sexually assaulted and tortured in Gaza. Read her story .

Hezbollah and Israel fired at each other across the border with Lebanon. At least one person died in Israel and seven were reported killed in Lebanon.

Top Israeli and U.S. defense officials met to discuss Israel’s plan to invade Rafah .

Israel is deploying facial recognition to conduct surveillance in Gaza, according to Israeli military and intelligence officials.

The authorities in Gaza said 12 people drowned while trying to retrieve airdropped aid that had fallen into the Mediterranean.

Other Big Stories

A British court ruled that the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange could not be extradited to the U.S. until the American authorities made more assurances about his treatment , including protection from the death penalty.

Russia extended the detention of Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal.

China’s capable workers and cheap parts helped pull Tesla back from the brink of failure. This may give Beijing leverage over Elon Musk .

The terrorist attack at a Moscow concert hall shows ISIS is far from defeated , Bret Stephens writes.

Colleges’ optional standardized tests hurt the students they are supposed to help, Emi Nietfeld writes.

Here is a column by Ross Douthat on progressives’ new definition of sexual liberation .

MORNING READS

Holi: The Indian festival is becoming more popular worldwide. Read about the tradition .

Scams: A woman posed as a down-on-her-luck Irish heiress. The man she conned out of thousands started a podcast to track her down .

The Great Read: A legal pot pioneer was busted in Idaho. He has a plan .

Lives Lived: Lee Berry was one of the Panther 21, members of the Black Panther Party who were prosecuted in New York in 1970. His account of abuse in jail was a catalyst for Leonard Bernstein’s Park Avenue fund-raising party that Tom Wolfe satirized in a withering magazine takedown. Berry died at 78 .

N.F.L.: League owners approved significant changes to kickoff rules, which will go into effect this season.

College basketball: Iowa and West Virginia drew an average of 4.9 million viewers for their second-round women’s N.C.A.A. tournament game, a pre-Final Four record.

ARTS AND IDEAS

French identity: Aya Nakamura, one of France’s most popular singers, might perform at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. The choice has become a flashpoint in the nation’s culture wars. Nakamura was born in Mali and raised in a Parisian suburb, and her music mixes French lyrics with Arabic and West African dialects.

“In a country often ill at ease with its changing population,” Roger Cohen and Aurelien Breeden write , “she stands on a fault line.”

More on culture

Beyoncé’s coming album, “Cowboy Carter,” is an extension of the artist’s exploration of how Black creativity fuels all corners of popular music. Read Jon Caramanica’s essay .

Stephen King’s “Carrie” was published in 1974. Margaret Atwood explains its enduring appeal.

“Trump is mashing together the Bible and the Constitution like it’s a Pizza Hut-Taco Bell”: The late-night hosts discussed Trump’s latest business venture .

THE MORNING RECOMMENDS …

Stir together a one-pot crisp gnocchi with sausage and peas.

Prepare kids for puberty with these items .

Clean your oven .

Here is today’s Spelling Bee . Yesterday’s pangram was adjourn .

And here are today’s Mini Crossword , Wordle , Sudoku and Connections .

Thanks for spending part of your morning with The Times. See you tomorrow.

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Conor Dougherty covers housing and development, focusing on the rising costs of homeownership. He is based in Los Angeles. More about Conor Dougherty